The time of their lives

20 February 2008

A really cool event which celebrates the ‘little people’ of Canterbury is the aim of Christchurch’s first Children’s Day extravaganza in Hagley Park on Sunday, 2 March.

Children’s Day spokesperson Justine Scott said the inaugural, multi-agency Christchurch event not only celebrated children and families but also encouraged collaboration among the many groups and organisations working with children and young people in the region.

"Children’s Day is such a positive initiative and it’s been great to work with people who are passionate about children and the need to celebrate their place within families and communities.

"Children’s Day sends out a really positive message – that children matter and that you as parents, adults, mentors, role models and members of this community, matter to children," she said.

"We’ve got an amazing team of people working together to make this event inspiring. It’s all about encouraging families to learn, play, laugh and enjoy new experiences together."

Established in 2002, Children’s Day is an annual, non-commercial event, aimed at encouraging families to spend time together, rather than spending money. Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, there will be plenty of freebies on offer at Hagley Park this Children’s Day.

"The whole thrust of Children’s Day is about spending time with your children. It’s really about getting back to basics, playing games, being part of a community, sharing, celebrating and laughing together," Mrs Scott said.

The Children’s Day Picnic in the Park is funded by the Christchurch City Council, through a number of its Community Boards. The event kicks off at 11am and will runs till 3pm. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy loads of free activities, including jewellery making, face painting, percussion workshops, hip hop dance lessons, laser water strike, a dog agility course, Fire Service displays, celebrity races and a free barbecue! For more informaton please check out the website: www.childrensday.org.nz

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