In-person 5k to be held as finale in series dedicated towards child abuse awareness
(Submitted Photo)
NORWICH – The Chenango County Child Advocacy Center has partnered with its community to host an in-person 5k event with the hope of being able to purchase medical equipment that will benefit all-aged victims of sexual assault.
According to Chenango County Child Advocacy Center Program Coordinator Joanne Smith, the 5k race is only the finale to a month long effort to raise awareness for child abuse.
“The CAC is collaborating with Live Event NY to “Shine Blue for Hope” during the month of April,” said Smith. “Community members will see blue lights and blue pinwheels all around the city of Norwich.”
“The blue pinwheel is the national emblem of child abuse prevention, and the blue lights serve as a reminder of the need for community compassion and involvement when it comes to child abuse prevention.”
Smith said with COVID-19 impacting events throughout the world last April, her organization hoped to do something big this year, and the community has been incredibly supportive.
“We were looking at ways to help the community recognize this need, and now all of a sudden this thing has taken off,” she said. “We have three food trucks coming, the City of Norwich’s Common Council is on board, and several sponsors including NBT Bank, Visions Bank, and NYCM Insurance have made generous contributions.”
“The best part is people can support this event virtually or in-person, and we’ve got protocols in place to help keep everyone safe.”
She added that an added goal of the fundraiser is to be able to purchase medical equipment that can be used with survivors of sexual assault.
“We had a case happen back in November where the child went to Chenango Memorial Hospital, they didn’t have the equipment, so the child got transferred down to Tri-Town,” said Smith. “That complicated everything, and so as a result of that need that’s why we’re hoping to donate the equipment using funds raised from the 5k.”
Representatives of the Chenango County Department of Social Services, Beth Beers and Teresa Foster-Jones also spoke about child abuse awareness.
“Child abuse is an issue that impacts every community and Chenango County is no different. The caseworkers of the Chenango County Department of Social Services do this work because they are passionate about the cause and are committed to ensuring the future of each child they encounter is just a little bit brighter,” said Beers.
“Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home,” said Jones. “Our goal is to work together as members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team to bring a voice to every child we serve, to combat child abuse, and raise awareness surrounding child abuse.”
“It’s our responsibility as members of the community to look out for our children so they can grow in healthy and safe ways.”
Smith said individuals can visit chenangochildadvocacy.us for more information, updates and to register for the upcoming race.
Smith added that there is a $25 fee for runners ages 15 and older, along with a $5 fee for runners ages 5 through 14.
“The race will begin at 11 a.m., and the groups will be split into different heats to help keep everyone safe,” said Smith. “The award ceremony will be around 1 p.m., and throughout the day local businesses and food trucks will be available at the park.”
According to Chenango County Child Advocacy Center Program Coordinator Joanne Smith, the 5k race is only the finale to a month long effort to raise awareness for child abuse.
“The CAC is collaborating with Live Event NY to “Shine Blue for Hope” during the month of April,” said Smith. “Community members will see blue lights and blue pinwheels all around the city of Norwich.”
“The blue pinwheel is the national emblem of child abuse prevention, and the blue lights serve as a reminder of the need for community compassion and involvement when it comes to child abuse prevention.”
Smith said with COVID-19 impacting events throughout the world last April, her organization hoped to do something big this year, and the community has been incredibly supportive.
“We were looking at ways to help the community recognize this need, and now all of a sudden this thing has taken off,” she said. “We have three food trucks coming, the City of Norwich’s Common Council is on board, and several sponsors including NBT Bank, Visions Bank, and NYCM Insurance have made generous contributions.”
“The best part is people can support this event virtually or in-person, and we’ve got protocols in place to help keep everyone safe.”
She added that an added goal of the fundraiser is to be able to purchase medical equipment that can be used with survivors of sexual assault.
“We had a case happen back in November where the child went to Chenango Memorial Hospital, they didn’t have the equipment, so the child got transferred down to Tri-Town,” said Smith. “That complicated everything, and so as a result of that need that’s why we’re hoping to donate the equipment using funds raised from the 5k.”
Representatives of the Chenango County Department of Social Services, Beth Beers and Teresa Foster-Jones also spoke about child abuse awareness.
“Child abuse is an issue that impacts every community and Chenango County is no different. The caseworkers of the Chenango County Department of Social Services do this work because they are passionate about the cause and are committed to ensuring the future of each child they encounter is just a little bit brighter,” said Beers.
“Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home,” said Jones. “Our goal is to work together as members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team to bring a voice to every child we serve, to combat child abuse, and raise awareness surrounding child abuse.”
“It’s our responsibility as members of the community to look out for our children so they can grow in healthy and safe ways.”
Smith said individuals can visit chenangochildadvocacy.us for more information, updates and to register for the upcoming race.
Smith added that there is a $25 fee for runners ages 15 and older, along with a $5 fee for runners ages 5 through 14.
“The race will begin at 11 a.m., and the groups will be split into different heats to help keep everyone safe,” said Smith. “The award ceremony will be around 1 p.m., and throughout the day local businesses and food trucks will be available at the park.”
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