Winnipeg, MB - Two Winnipeg child advocacy groups will benefit from the Mayor’s annual State of the City Address, taking place this afternoon at the Convention Centre.
Each year, 50 per cent of the net proceeds from the State of the City luncheon is donated to non-profit groups selected by the Mayor. This year’s recipients, Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada and the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, are Winnipeg-based national child advocacy groups.
“The work that these groups do for children and families on a national and international level is tremendous,” said Mayor Katz. “They give voice to kids who would otherwise go unheard. I am pleased that we are able to help them with their efforts.”
“The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with Mayor Katz on this initiative,” said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dave Angus. “The Chamber has a long history of giving back to the community and we are very proud to play a part in helping these very deserving organizations continue the work they do.”
Each organization will also receive $5,000 from local businessman and philanthropist Albert El Tassi. “Mr. El Tassi’s generosity is well known in this city, and just last year he received a Humanitarian of the Year award,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Winnipeg is known as a giving city and Mr. El Tassi is a great example to all of us.”
Since 1996, Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada has worked to free children from sexual exploitation and abuse. This volunteer-driven group works tirelessly on behalf of exploited children worldwide, and has successfully lobbied to broaden the law to combat child sex tourism so that Canadians who sexually abuse children in foreign jurisdictions can be held accountable in Canada under Canadian law.
“Child exploitation is a global issue that everyone needs to be aware of,” said Rosalind Prober of Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada. “We are pleased that the Mayor and the Chamber of Commerce are supporting us in the work that we do to on behalf of children.”
Known to most Manitobans as Child Find Manitoba, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection is dedicated to keeping children from harm. Through the many programs and services offered to the public, the organization advocates for sexually abused and exploited children, and provides assistance with the location and recovery of missing kids.
“The Canadian Centre for Child Protection is honoured to have been chosen as one of the charitable recipients of the Mayor’s annual State of the City Address,” says Lianna McDonald, Executive Director, Canadian Centre for Child Protection. “The Canadian Centre for Child Protection has deep roots and a rich history with this city. We are very grateful for the continued support of Winnipeggers as we work towards building safer communities for all children.”
The State of the City luncheon is one of the Chamber of Commerce’s largest events. Nearly 1,000 are expected at this year’s event, which will be held later this afternoon at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.