Prevent Child Abuse Vermont hosted  WALKS TO END CHILD ABUSE on two consecutive Saturdays this year. The first was held on  August 21^TH  starting  at the Statehouse Lawn in Montpelier  and included a 5K run. Then two more were held on  August 28^th at Battery Park in Burlington, and at the same time at the Howe Center in Rutland. PCAV’s Board President, Bill Miller  introduced Governor Jim Douglas and Montpelier Mayor Mary Hooper  for the kick off WALK in Montpelier. Also joining in the family-focused festivities were Honorary Chair, Taylor Coppenrath, Marvel Comic’s Spiderman, PCAV’s huggable Kid Bear  and Rocky and Bud Harlow who were making an even longer trek from the Canadian border and down through Vermont to the Massachusetts border to raise awareness for the Baby Safe Haven Law and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.  In Burlington  the ever popular Dr. Lewis First, PCAV’s Big Blue Kid Bear, Cub Scout Troop 620 and many teams and individuals. Both the Burlington, Rutland and Montpelier Walks in 2010 were dedicated to the many children who have suffered the effects of shaken baby syndrome, and to the memory of Brooke Bennett, and three year old Stephen Mckay who died from abuse several years ago.

This year over 500 people walked to help support the many prevention programs offered by PCAV.  “I was so pleased with the two walks this year.” said Linda  Johnson, Executive Director of PCAV. “It is always so moving to see such tremendous community support, and with the wonderful weather I was touched to see so many families and friends walking together and smiling in the sunshine. Everyone involved is helping to spread the word about preventing child abuse, exploitation and neglect.” 

The WALK FOR CHILDREN TO END CHILD ABUSE is made possible through the generous sponsorships of McDonalds, National Life Group, and many other caring businesses. PCAV would like to thank everyone who helped make the WALK a success.

Call 1-800-CHILDREN or email pcavt@pcavt.org, or go to our website www.pcavt.org for more information.