Peel CAS Calls for Community Action this October

Mental health concerns are on the rise in our community – in the last two years Peel Children’s Aid Society (Peel CAS) has seen a 144% increase in the need for counselling support, and 46% of the agency’s cases involve one or more children who have experienced mental health concerns. Peel CAS is calling on the community to join the Dress Purple Day campaign this October and wear purple to show vulnerable children, youth, and families that they are not alone, and help is available.

“We are asking our community to dress purple on October 27 and share messages of encouragement on social media to show children, youth, and families who are facing challenges that there is a network of support out there for them,” said Mary Beth Moellenkamp, CEO of Peel CAS. “Together we will continue to speak up for every child and youth’s right to safety and well-being in all spaces.”

Dress Purple Day is a provincial initiative intended to raise awareness that Children’s Aid Societies are part of the circle of care that supports the well-being of children, youth, and families. Child welfare agencies work together with many other social service providers to help young people and their caregivers connect with resources they need to build successful lives and thrive. Families that the agency works with may be facing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, ill health, intimate partner violence, mental health issues, or caring for a child who has serious physical, emotional or developmental difficulties.

“Our partnership with Peel CAS is focused on reducing the over-representation of racialized groups within the system and providing support to families, many of whom are struggling due to systemic inequities,” said Angela Carter, Executive Director, Roots Community Services. “Our collective wraparound supports, and understanding of the need for a culturally-sensitive approach, work to empower clients to build upon their strengths and find solutions to overcome the challenges they face.” 

On Dress Purple Day, everyone is encouraged to wear purple to show their commitment to doing their part to help children, youth, and families in their communities, including sharing photos and videos on social media with the hashtag, #IDressPurpleBecause. The agency has a variety of awareness campaign initiatives planned throughout the month including city council presentations, illuminating Peel buildings in purple and Mall Pop-Up Booths at Bramalea City Centre (October 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness (October 24 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) The public is also invited to Peel CAS’ Dress Purple Day Block Party on Friday, October 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m, outside at Peel CAS (25 Capston Dr., Mississauga). The event features service booths, interactive games, stories from the families and youth Peel CAS supports, along with special community presentations and entertainment.

View a recording of the City of Mississauga's Deputation from October 11 available here, 10.23 mins in

Additional Coverage:

DRESS PURPLE DAY: Abuse survivor rallies for awareness in support of Peel CAS - Brampton Guardian, October 27, 2023

Things to do in the GTA (Dress Purple Day) - Gurdeep and Pooja on CHFI 98.1FM, October 27, 2023

How wearing purple today can raise awareness for children’s rights - Interview with Maryann Kerr and foster caregiver Jennifer Dekezel, Breakfast Television, October 27, 2023

Peel Children’s Aid Society promotes Dress Purple Day for October 27 - Caledon Citizen, October 26, 2023

Maryann Kerr speaks about Dress Purple Day - 680 News, October 24, 2023

Mary Beth Moellenkamp interviewed on Canada Now with Jeff Sammut - SIRIUS XM, October 19, 2023