News

SIMCOE, ON, MARCH 31, 2010 – A section of Argyle Street will be closed off in Caledonia on Sunday, April 11, to allow pedestrians to celebrate World Health Day.

From 2 to 4 p.m., residents and visitors will be able to walk, run, play and exercise on a car-free section of Argyle Street between Wigton and Haddington streets. Activities for the afternoon include getting to know the local businesses, children’s games, face painting, dancing demonstrations displays, music, fitness classes and more.

“There will be lots of free, fun activities for people of all ages,” said Heather Keam, Health Promoter with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. “Everyone is welcome.”

The street party is being sponsored by the Health Unit and partners as their contribution to World Health Day, an annual event promoted by the World Health Organization. This year’s theme is 1,000 Cities, 1,000 Lives – Urban health matters. Cities around the world are registering for events that will open up streets for pedestrians during the week of April 7 to 11.

“Cities around the world are putting people first and so is Caledonia,” Keam said. “This event is the first of its kind for Haldimand. We are trying to raise awareness about the importance of getting people out of their cars and using active forms of transportation. It’s an opportunity for residents of Caledonia and visitors to get out and get active, have fun and do something new.”

The community of Caledonia “has really come together to participate in this event,” Keam noted. “We have participation from Caledonia Music Centre, the Barrelhouse, Community Support Centre, McDonalds, Senior Support Services, Haldimand Abilities Centre, Caledonia Special Projects Committee, Stars on Stage and Zehrs.”

Stores will remain open and “the festivities should draw a lot of people into the downtown core to enjoy the activities as well as do some shopping,” Keam noted.

Ontario Early Years Centres will be sponsoring activities for children.

“The foundation for a person’s health and well-being is set in the early years of life and it is up to the parent or caregiver to be the model for this to happen,” said OEYC spokesperson Kay Holmes. “The Ontario EarlyYears Centre – Haldimand & Norfolk, a unit of HN REACH, is getting involved in 1,000 Cities – 1,000 Lives because we are a community resource that supports parents and caregivers in their role as their child’s first teacher. Getting out and playing together is part of our motto: To Play. To Learn. To Grow.”

For more information about world health say in Caledonia, Keam may be contacted at the Health Unit at 905-318-6623 Ext. 3208.

The Health Unit is also sponsoring celebrations in Port Dover on April 11.

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Media Contact:
Heather Keam
Health Promoter
Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit
Ext. 3208 at 905-318-6623 or 519-426-6170