over 66,000 cases of missing children are reported each year in Canada and thousands more are the victims of exploitation; and
WHEREAS:
children and families are victims of this tragedy and increased public awareness is needed to reduce the incidence of missing children and teenagers and help locate missing children; and
WHEREAS:
this is a community issue not just a family one and the month of May has been designated "Green Ribbon of Hope" and is set aside to rekindle new hope in the search for all missing children; and
WHEREAS:
because "Some things can't be replaced" all residents are encouraged to join Child Find Ontario and law enforcement agencies and remain vigilant and united in our common purpose to protect and nurture our youth.
NOW,
THEREFORE:
I, Mayor Mel Lastman, on behalf of Toronto City Council and the 2.5 million people of our great City, do hereby proclaim May 2003 as "Green Ribbon of Hope Month" and May 25, 2003 as "Missing Children's Day" in the City of Toronto.
