In 1986, the Solicitor General of Canada declared May 25th to be National Missing Children’s Day in Canada. Each May, Child Find hosts the Green Ribbon of Hope campaign. During the month of May, community members are asked to show their support and concern for the issue of missing children by prominently wearing a green ribbon. Proceeds generated by the campaign enable Child Find BC to continue its mandate of assisting in the search process for missing children and the education of children and adults about child safety.
On May 25th, the Green Ribbon of Hope is recognized as a symbol to help remember missing children and to seek their safe return. It is also used as an expression of our thoughts for missing children, their families and friends. Activities carried out during the month include fingerprinting clinics and various community fundraisers.
The concept of the Green Ribbon of Hope was originated by the students and faculty of Holy Cross Secondary School in St. Catherine’s, Ontario, following the abduction and subsequent murder of 15 year old Kristen French. Her classmates came to Child Find to ask us to develop a legacy for Kristen and all missing children in Canada.
“Green is the colour of hope. It symbolizes light in the darkness and is an expression of our thoughts for missing children, their families and friends.”