On Dress Purple Day on October 27, children’s aid societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies across Ontario will highlight the role that individuals and communities play in supporting the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families.
We invite our members, our government partners, local service providers, and individuals across the province to wear purple on October 27 and share how and why they support the children, youth, and families in their community through the #IDressPurpleBecause social media campaign. We want anyone facing challenges to know that they are part of a community that cares. Landmarks across the province will also be lit purple in recognition of the day, including Pearson International Airport and the CN Tower.
“We encourage all Ontarians to come together and send a powerful message to children, youth, and families on October 27,” said Solomon Owoo, Interim CEO of OACAS. “We want them to know that there are resources available if they need help, and that they are not alone.”
The campaign also emphasizes the community’s responsibility to speak up for every child and youth’s right to safety and well-being in all spaces. Not just their physical safety and well-being, but also their right to have their intersectional identity, such as their culture, race, ability, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity, and gender expression protected and supported. This right extends to the home, at school, and in the community. We have a collective responsibility to promote the safety and well-being of children and young people in our communities. It is critical we help young people build strong networks of support. Helping children and youth develop strong connections can lessen their vulnerability to harm and can help them recognize where to turn when they need support.
“Promoting the safety, health, and well-being of children, youth, and families requires system-level thinking,” said Solomon Owoo. “It requires critical self-reflection on the part of child and family service system partners at all levels, from community-based organizations and children’s aid societies to the Ontario government. Dress Purple Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work ahead towards a child and family service system that consistently delivers high-quality, culturally relevant, trauma-informed, community-based care.”
While the focus of the campaign has shifted away from child abuse prevention education, we still want to remind adults that they have a responsibility to call their local child welfare agency if they have a concern about a child or youth.
So, join us on October 27 and wear purple to show your support for Ontario children, youth, and families. Click here to learn more about the 2023 Dress Purple Day campaign and share its messages with your networks and across your channels. Show children, youth, and families across the province that they are part of a community that cares and that you are here to help.
