Forty students have spent the last few months collecting items to put in the backpacks for children who are the victims of abuse.
“Our spiritual theme this year is, ‘Casting our nets of peace, we are anchors of hope.’ This is our way of providing hope to some people right here in our community who are in very difficult situations,” says Ecole Father Jan teacher Monique Auray. “The students were very eager to help out.”
For Zebra, these backpacks are essential for children and youth who come into the Centre. Some kids may not be able to go home that night, and so they need the basics – toothpaste, pajamas, a jacket. Others need comfort and distraction – a fun t-shirt, a teddy bear.
It’s important for the children and youth who are victims of abuse and family violence to know that there are people who care about them, says Det. Nicole Chapdelaine, who works in the Zebra centre.
“A child’s welfare is our top priority,” says Det. Chapdelaine. “The EPS does everything it can to ensure emphasis is placed on the protection of the children, giving families the support they need, as well as put preventative measures in place for the safety and well-being of the children.”
The Zebra Child Protection Centre supports children who have experienced abuse, together with their non-offending family members, through the justice system. It’s a collaboration of police officers, social workers and volunteer child advocates, who work together with crown prosecutors, medical and mental health professionals. The multidisciplinary team is dedicated to protecting children from further trauma, providing nurturing and healing, and bringing criminals who abuse children to justice. Zebra is the first multi-disciplined child advocacy centre in Canada.
Unfortunately the numbers of children and youth who come through its doors has grown significantly. In 2012 a total of 1,083 kids and youth were assisted by the Zebra centre. By the end of September of this year, the Zebra centre assisted 1,574 children and youth.
“We believe, however, that the strength of our community response to child abuse, exemplified by the generosity of Ecole Father Jan Grade 1 students, offers hope as we work together to promote justice and healing,” says Kimberly Clark, director of Zebra.