child'' around Hamilton. And Sheelagh Cooper of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, has thrown her support behind the week-long initiative.

"This week of activities will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to re-commit to celebrating and nurturing their children,'' she said.

The Child and Family Services Department are the official sponsors of the event.

And this year's theme is "I am a child and I am special'', said Mrs. Cooper.

"It is a well-chosen theme because we have to be constantly mindful of the fact that our time and our love and our attention are the greatest gits that we can give our children,'' she added.

"We need to position ourselves as families and as a community to make sure this can happen.''