Paddles up! Get ready! Start rowing! The Missing Children’s Network invites you to participate in its 10th Annual “Row, Row, Row Them Home” Dragon Boat Challenge! This festive community activity will take place on Sunday, June 12th from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Saint Paul locks along the Lachine Canal. Joining our rowers will be serval families of missing children that include Caroline Lachance and Éric Fortin, parents of David Fortin; Andrée Béchard and Michel Bergeron, parents of Marilyn Bergeron and Lilianne Cyr, mother of Yohanna Cyr.
Come and catch the dragon boat spirit along with your family, friends and fellow employees! It is a great opportunity to team build, have lots of fun, and most importantly support the on-going search for missing children right here in Quebec. Last year, there were 6,803 cases of missing children reported to law enforcement in this province, a 19% increase from the previous year.
The public is invited to cheer on the rowers as they take to the waters and race on behalf of missing children. Pack a picnic lunch and bring along your family and friends for a colourful and unforgettable experience! Activities include: friendly races, live music, face painting, air bouncer games, judo demonstrations and so much more. While on-site, make sure to stop by an inspirational Mural of Hope created by talented students at Centennial High School and leave a message for our searching families! As well, one lucky participant will have a chance to win a trip for two to any North American destination, courtesy of the Air Canada Foundation!
Donations to support the Missing Children’s Network’s critical mission can be made on-line at www.missingchildrensnetwork.ngo or by calling 514- 843-4333. All funds raised will finance the organization’s Family Assistance and Support Program, as well as fund its popular on-and-offline safety workshops for children and youth. All of these services are available year-round and free of charge, thanks to the generous support of individuals and corporations.
About the Missing Children’s Network:
Founded in 1985, the Missing Children’s Network is the only non-profit organization in Quebec that is dedicated to the search for missing children and the prevention of their disappearance. Regardless of the motive for the disappearance, from running away to a parental abduction or criminal abduction, the Missing Children’s Network team supports, accompanies and counsels families whose child is missing.
In addition, the team works closely with law enforcement agencies, child welfare organizations and the media in order to recover these children and bring them home safely. Since its creation, the Missing Children’s Network has assisted law enforcement in recovering 1,164 children and has educated over 175,000 students on how to stay safe in their day-to-day lives, both on and offline.
The Missing Children’s Network is a frontline partner of the Amber Alert program in Quebec and recognized partner of the National Centre for Missing Persons and Unidentified Remains (NCMPUR) of the RCMP.
