COPS Program Receives Public Health Agency of Canada Grant

 

Sandwich Community Health Centre's Childhood Obesity Prevention Strategy (COPS) received $68,390 in funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada's Canadian Diabetes Strategy's Diabetes Community-Based Program.

 

As one of three projects awarded the grant in Ontario, and one of eight across Canada, Sandwich Community Health Centre aims to explore the incidences of childhood obesity and determine strategies to address healthy living in the West Windsor area. To date, we have been participating in public awareness initiatives such as health fairs and visits to our local Ontario early Years Centres and Libraries. Additionally, we are in the process of developing and publishing an informational booklet to be distributed this coming fall. The COPS program has also been 'active' in our local summer camps providing a weekly, two-hour program focusing on increasing physical activity and educating children on health food choices and portion sizes, as well as the importance of drinking plenty of water. We are excited to announce that we have added two free camps at the Windsor Public Library, Bridgeview location and the Sandwich Teen Action Group.

 

On Saturday, September 6, 2008, we will be hosting a Children's Fun and Fitness Expo. This event will include entertainment from Beebo, Mad Science and Jangles the magic clown, as well as providing the opportunity to access lots of information. Come and check it out from 11am to 3pm at the Sandwich Teen Action Group. Healthy snacks will be provided! Please stay tuned for more updates.

 

We are extremely thankful to the Public Health Agency and are excited to get this project going! Please stay tuned for more updates!

 

For more information, please contact Cheryl at (519) 254-3402 ext. 153.