LETTER

The season for kids?

 

This season, as most of us stock our fridges with overweight turkeys, over-sweetened apple pie and overpriced eggnog, let’s stop to think about the children who don’t have enough to eat. More than 35% of children under five around the world are either chronically or acutely malnourished, which can affect the development of their emotional, linguistic and cognitive skills. In 2015, Canada’s Official Development Assistance contributions made up only 0.28% of Canada’s Gross National Income, a disappointing letdown from the 0.7% target set out by former Canadian Prime Minister Pearson. This charitable season, in between our ugly Christmas sweater parties and our inevitable last minute holiday shopping, let’s call on Canada’s leaders to invest 0.35% in Early Childhood Development by 2020 and contribute to the development of healthy, skilled and happy children.

Tiyahna Ridley
Ottawa