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Local schools and organizations to receive new hydration stations

Initiative is part of the current theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Water Does Wonders
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NEWS RELEASE

HEALTHY KIDS COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

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Thanks to money allocated from the Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge, 14 schools and organizations in Timmins, Schumacher, and South Porcupine have been able to install new water bottle filling stations.

Last fall, all local non-profit or publicly funded organizations serving children and their families in our community were invited to apply for new water bottle filling stations or water fountains.

The Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge Steering Committee reviewed all applications received. Successful organizations include 11 schools, the Stella Nova Gymnastics Centre, the Carlo Catarello Arena in South Porcupine, and the Timmins Native Friendship Centre.

“The goal of this initiative is to increase access to free, clean drinking water for children and families in our community,” said Madison Mizzau, project manager for the Timmins-Misiway Healthy Kids Community Challenge. “We are hoping that with more access to water, kids will be more likely to choose water when they’re thirsty.”

The initiative is part of the current theme of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, Water Does Wonders! This theme encourages kids and families to drink water as a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages, such as pop, sports drinks, juice drinks, and sweetened iced teas.

Water is essential for good health. It is also a simple, convenient, and low-cost option for quenching thirst.

Staying hydrated is especially important for children, as they have higher water requirements in relation to their body weight than adults. They also don’t always know or pay attention to when they are thirsty, leaving them at greater risk for dehydration.

Dehydration, even if only mild, can cause tiredness, headaches, lack of concentration, and reduced mental performance.

John D’Alessandri, principal at St. Joseph School, recognizes the important role water plays in student education.

“St. Joseph School would like to thank Timmins-Misiway [Healthy Kids Community Challenge] for the water station. It will make it easier for the whole St. Joseph School community to stay hydrated and engaged in learning,” said D’Alessandri.

It is hoped that the installation of these new hydration stations will also help reduce plastic water bottle waste. Each water bottle filling station has a display that shows how many plastic water bottles have been saved simply by refilling a reusable water bottle instead.

“Bertha Shaw students are pleased to have a water station to fill up their reusable water bottles,” said Lynda Mitchell, principal at Bertha Shaw Public School. “This will allow students to have access to water during class time as well as assisting them in doing their part to keeping plastic water bottles out of our landfill sites.”

For more information or to get involved, please contact Madison Mizzau at (705) 264-2200 ext. 141 or www.misiway.ca. Follow our Facebook page, HKCCTimminsMisiway, for updates. Together we can create a healthier environment for children to live, eat and play!

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