Day ONE: A Safe Place to Help, Heal & End Child Abuse

The first organization that we partnered with for the #12DaysOfGiving is the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre!

I was first introduced to the Kristen French CACN when we participated in their first annual Playhouse Competition! It was such a fun event and it allowed me to be introduced to such an amazing organization in our community. I toured their facility and heard about all of the great work they do for children and families.

As the first dedicated standalone CAC of it's kind in Canada, the Kristen French CACN provides our region with a child-focused and trauma-informed leading practice approach to the investigation and treatment of child abuse. Before the Niagara region had the Kristen French CACN, children and youth were subjected to multiple interviews at multiple locations.

Before CACN

After CACN

I think it's time to hear some stats to realize their true impact in our community:

Niagara Regional Police Service reports at least ONE case of sexual or physical assault on children or youth is investigate each day in our region!! 

In 2013 alone, Niagara Regional Police Service investigate close to 400 cases of child abuse related reports in our region alone.

Since opening in the fall of 2008, almost 2100 children/youth and their caring family members have found a safe place to disclose abuse. 

Most often, 94% of the time, children interviewed at the Center know their alleged abuser. Without help and support, the long term impacts of abuse can be devastating.


On average ONE interview per day takes place at the Kristen French CACN.

Now that you know about their amazing work, let's get to the GIVING! We donated over 70 warm winter items to the centre that they will use to decorate their Christmas tree. When children are done being interviewed, to acknowledge their courage they are given a stuffed animal or a warm winter item that they can take home with them. The staff at the Kristen French CACN are so incredible and they help people feel safe and comfortable during a difficult process, we are glad we could help!

If you want to learn more about the centre, visit http://www.cacniagara.org.

"We make a LIVING by what we GET, but we make a LIFE by what we GIVE." - Winston Churchill