M’CHIGEENG—There was certainly a lot for children and adults to see and do with the Manitoulin Service Provider Network (MSPN) holding a fun-filled day of games and prizes to help attract caregivers and children. MSPN is comprised of several organizations on Manitoulin whose services are important to parents and their children, but many caregivers may not have been aware of how or where to access those services.
The MSPN family fun screening day was held on May 27 at Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) with a very large crowd of adults and children enjoying the days events and activities.
“We are all members of MSPN,” said organizer Katherine McQuarrie of Gore Bay Child Care. “We were all on hand to raise awareness of the services that are available through the network.”
“MSPN planned and organized this event with the goal to improve the awareness of available services and create seamless access for families and children ages prenatal to 18 years on Manitoulin Island,” said Ms. McQuarrie.
Like many such gatherings, the MSPN family fun screening day had been put on hiatus during the pandemic.
“We had public health (Sudbury and Districts) on hand (who handed out free bicycle helmets and bicycle bells,” said Ms. McQuarrie. “They had a dietitian come and provide information on bike safety and Healthy Babies, Healthy Children.”
Manitoulin Family Resources brought an obstacle course and provided information on Home Child Care Service and EarlyON Centres.
Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All were able to bring a pop-up play of loose pieces with them for the children to play.
As well, the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police officers were on hand with their police boat and to talk about marine safety.
Among other network members were representatives with booths set up for Compass Resource Centre, Gore Bay and Assiginack Child Care, Manitoulin and Sudbury District Service Board, Mnaamodzawin Maternal Health, which hosted a Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada event, Health Sciences North Infant and Child Development and Children’s Community Network.
“We had asked the local fire departments if they wanted to be involved in the event,” said Ms. McQuarrie. “They were very gracious and supportive. The Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands (NEMI), Gore Bay, Central Manitoulin and Billings Fire Departments came out and put on a barbecue lunch for everyone as well as showing the children the fire trucks and handing out replica fire chief helmets.”
