The Four Corners Child Advocacy Center will host its first Child Abuse Awareness Walk on Friday, April 25, from noon to 3 p.m. at Parque de Vida to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The free, family-friendly event aims to raise awareness and promote prevention strategies to end child abuse and neglect.
The event, centered around “A Walk in the Park,” invites community members to honor children's right to safety with a walk around Parque de Vida.
“The centerpiece of this walk is to bring participants together to honor children and their right to grow up feeling safe and loved, the Fours Corners Child Advocacy Center’s Margo Lee told The Journal. “This is a family-friendly event open to everyone who wants to show their support for children and families in our community.”
Participants can enjoy a complimentary lunch from God’s Dogs, a nonprofit serving burgers and hot dogs, and sample Buckskin Bar’s nonalcoholic “Go Blue” piña colada punch.
Informational booths will offer resources and activities like temporary tattoos, stickers, hopscotch and tic-tac-toe. Local speakers and emergency responders will be on hand to engage attendees. A Classic Air Medical Helicopter visit will take place, while a pinwheel contest for fifth graders, symbolizing hope, will showcase student artwork. The winner will be announced during the event. Cortez police, Sheriff’s Office deputies, Cortez Fire Department and the Southwest Memorial Hospital ambulance will also be part of the event.
“Informational booths offering valuable resources from the Piñon Project, Department of Social Services and other community partners will be on-site along with engaging activities for all ages,” Lee said. “Guests will also have the chance to meet local inspiring community speakers and connect with emergency responders who play a vital role in ensuring child safety.”
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., with the walk starting at noon from the playground shelter on Mildred Street, across from Children’s Kiva, proceeding north to Empire Street and circling the park. Festivities will continue until 3 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, the color of child abuse prevention awareness. Commemorative T-shirts will also be sold, with proceeds supporting the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center. The event space was donated by Cortez Parks and Recreation.
For volunteer opportunities, booth registration or more details, contact Lee at (602) 361-6544, visit www.nestcac.org or follow the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center on Facebook.
