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An 89-year-old Dryden resident worked her hands to the bone this month to donate countless pairs of hand-made mitts, toques and sweaters to youth in Mishkeegogamang First Nation.
“All children matter,” says Mavis Rushak, who says the donation is in honour of Dress Purple Day. “I love knitting for children. I wish I could do more.”
Today, October 27, is Dress Purple Day 2022. The day aims to raise awareness about the role that individuals and communities play in supporting vulnerable children and youth, and this year’s theme is ‘It takes a community to care for kids’.
“Dress Purple Day is important to our organization. It gives us the opportunity to show our communities that we are here for our children, youth, and families as a resource,” explained Tikinagan Child and Family Services’ Associate Executive Director, Rachel Tinney.
“Our philosophy, Mamow Obiki-ahwahsoowin, doesn’t just include Tikinagan staff. It includes the whole community as we all work together to raise our children. We really hope to see everyone wearing purple as a way to show that they are part of the circle of care,” she adds.
Tikinagan reminds residents that it’s every adult’s legal duty to call their local Children’s Aid Society or Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency if they have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child or youth.