Help Protect Children – Give to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection this Holiday Season.

WINNIPEG, MB: Today, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (Canadian Centre) launches its Holiday Giving Program. In this season of hope, Canadians can make a difference in the lives of children by giving to the Canadian Centre and supporting their vision of a world where children are protected and safe.

Every day children are facing new risks that threaten to steal their childhood. In fact, according to the 2012/2013 Police Reported Crime Statistics, there was a six per cent increase in sexual violations against children and a 21 per cent increase in incidents of child pornography.

The Canadian Centre is currently running its “It IS in YOUR Control” ad on television and radio to raise awareness about online child sexual exploitation and how their agency is helping to protect children. View the ad online at www.youtube.com/ProtectChildrenCA.

The Canadian Centre, through its operation of Cybertip.ca – Canada’s tipline for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children – has seen a significant increase in reporting – especially in relation to concerns involving child pornography on the Internet. While typically averaging approximately 2,000 reports per month, July 2014 marked the highest number at close to 5,000. In 2014/2015, the tipline is on track for an 80% increase in reporting. Adults are encouraged to report to Cybertip.ca. The sooner a report is received, the more likely the abuse can be disrupted and children can be protected.

However, need for programs and services offered by the Canadian Centre is growing. Canadians can help support the important work they do by getting involved and making a donation – it may be one of the most meaningful gifts they can give this holiday season.

“Donations help us provide our critical programs and services to Canadian families,” says Lianna McDonald, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre. “They enable us to offer essential prevention information and educational resources in order to help reduce the number of children who are victimized each year. And 94 cents of every dollar we spend in a year goes towards the delivery of these important programs and services.”

Protecting Children is everyone’s responsibility. During this season of giving, Canadians can make a gift to the Canadian Centre to help them do just that. To donate to the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, visit www.protectchildren.ca/donate or call 1 (800) 532-9135.