children and youth are our most precious asset and it is our responsibility to provide them with a safe and healthy environment in which to live and play; and
WHEREAS:
parents from an inner city neighbourhood were concerned for the safety of their children and the recent violence that happened in their community; and
WHEREAS:
in June 2001 the parents approached the Toronto Police Service with an idea for a program called "Kids Need Toys, Not Guns" and this resulted in the "Gun Play No Way" initiative; and
WHEREAS:
this event is hosted by the Toronto Police Service and supported by its corporate partners, at 16 locations throughout Toronto, to encourage youth to exchange their toy guns for a non-violent toy and is an opportunity to steer them towards non-violent behaviour.
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 June 21, 2003 as "Gun Play No Way" to recognize the important role parents and children play in making their neighbourhood a safer place and improving the quality of life for the entire community.
