World Children’s Day: The Town of Sutton reiterates its commitments to youth

Intergenerational activity

To kick off the week and mark the launch of the 10th edition of Early Childhood Week, a wonderful intergenerational activity took place on Monday, November 17, at the Town Hall.

At around 10 a.m., the children from the Le jardin d’enfants community daycare centre, accompanied by their educators Christine and Gabriela, joined the members of FADOQ during their osteoporosis prevention exercise activity. In a joyful and supportive atmosphere, the little ones and the seniors did a group exercise session. The children were even asked to choose some of the movements to practice!

Flag-raising ceremony

After enjoying some well-deserved hot chocolate and snacks, the children joined council and administration members outside, along with representatives from organizations that work with families. Together, they watched as the Child Friendly City flag and the Early Childhood week flags were raised. Mayor Robert Benoît addressed the children, telling them that the Town is planning lots of activities for them.

Commitment to youth

On October 20, 2023, the Town of Sutton received the Child Friendly City (CFC) certification, a prestigious recognition awarded by Espace MUNI in collaboration with UNICEF Canada. To obtain this certification, four clear commitments were made to improve the quality of life of children in the community, including the commitment to celebrate World Children’s Day each year, which marks the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.

Volunteer Center and the Sutton Family Village organization, whose representatives were present at the flag-raising ceremony, work tirelessly with families, and their efforts deserve to be recognized on this World Children’s Day.

Sutton Volunteer Center

At Sutton Volunteer Center (CAB Sutton), Family Resource supports families in Sutton and Abercorn by offering various services:

• Organizing weekly community activities, such as Family Nest on Friday mornings and Tuesdays in the Garden, open to the entire community.
• Providing tangible support to families facing financial difficulties through the food bank, by purchasing baby items such as diapers and formula, and through the “Dépannage Bambin” program, which allows families to borrow items such as car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc.
• Supporting English-speaking families through special funding from a government grant. Jennifer Tevyaw, the Family Resource worker, is there to lend a listening ear and connect families with the services and programs they need in our community. Starting in January 2026, the CAB will add a series of inspiring parent-child workshops in English on Wednesday mornings.

For more information about its programs and services, please feel free to write or call the Sutton Volunteer Center: [email protected] or 450-522-2422.’hésitez pas à écrire ou appeler le CAB Sutton : [email protected] ou 450-522-2422.

Sutton Family Village

Sutton Family Village (Village Famille Sutton) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive parenting community. Designed by parents, for parents, its mission is to support families of our community by putting parents at the heart of its actions. Their website will be launched at the end of the month: www.villagefamillesuttton.org along with a fundraising campaign.

Creating youth-oriented spaces

Other commitments made as part of the process of obtaining the Child Friendly City certification were:

• Improve access to Goyette-Hill Park by redeveloping the northern section of Western Street: this project was carried out from spring to fall 2024, providing a safe sidewalk to the park.
• Developing a teen zone including urban furniture and a basketball court at Goyette-Hill Park: this project was completed with the inauguration of the new court, which includes colorful urban furniture, on October 20, 2024.
• Redeveloping Gagné Park: the project began in 2024 with public consultations in which 165 people participated. Work began in the summer of 2025 and will be completed in the spring of 2026. Stay tuned for the inauguration announcement!

And there’s more…

Have you seen the new pergolas and swing installed on the bike path? This is just the beginning of a wonderful project that will include intergenerational installations encouraging encounters and exchanges: coloring blocks for chalk drawing and adapted urban furniture will be added in spring 2026. We will be sure to keep you informed!