News release
For immediate release
St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) and Elgin St. Thomas Public Health (ESTPH) hosted a Blue Carpet Event on February 22, 2017 at the St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre showcasing the #ichoosetapwater video contest finalists and revealing the contest winner.
“The Blue Carpet Event was a great evening showcasing student videos demonstrating their creativity and helping to spread the message that drinking tap water is safe, less expensive than bottle water, healthy and cool,” said Luiza Moczarski, KCCA’s public relations supervisor.
The contest invited Grades 3 to 7 classes from across Elgin County and St. Thomas to submit a video highlighting the importance of choosing tap water over bottled water and sugary drinks. First prize of $1,000, second prize of $500, and third prize of $250 were offered as incentives to school participation. In addition, all honourable mentions received a $50 prize. Prize money will be used by schools to help with student programming.
The first prize winners not only win $1,000 for their school but will also have the opportunity to work with myFM St. Thomas to produce a 30 second commercial encouraging local residents to choose tap water. The commercial will run for two weeks in March in conjunction with World Water Day.
“The success of this campaign was made possible thanks to the vision and support of our partners and sponsors,” said Erica Arnett, ESTPH’s manager of strategic initiatives.
1st Prize Winner:
McGregor PS – Grade 4
https://youtu.be/DeboBErYVS0
2nd Prize Winner:
South Dorchester PS – Grade 6
https://youtu.be/Hgo5X1JVcCc
3rd Prize Winner:
St. Anne’s – Grade 6 and 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLtlZzmCFAw
Honourable Mentions:
Southwold PS – Grade 4
https://youtu.be/SDXlVjp92B8
Monsignor Morrison – Grade 7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt5_d1n4X94
Southwold PS – Grade 3
https://youtu.be/IF6vLIeieRY
South Dorchester PS– Grade 3 and 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eroSSxHZPX0
About #IChooseTapWater: The #IChooseTapWater campaign is part of the St. Thomas Elgin Healthy Kids Community Challenge. St. Thomas – Elgin is one of 45 communities across Ontario taking part in The Healthy Kids Community Challenge that unites communities with a common goal: promoting children’s health through physical activity and healthy eating.
Weekly costs of groceries in Elgin County for a family of four has risen 9% over the last three years to $193.61 a month. Living healthy on a budget can be difficult, and there is pressure among children to fit-in by consuming the latest in drink fads, such as sport and energy drinks. #IChooseTapWater illustrates there is a healthy choice available right from the tap for a fraction of the cost.
Testimonial: “Congrats on the amazing event last night and the work that has led up to it! I particularly enjoyed seeing how the Health Kids Community Challenge initiative was integrated into classroom curriculum and the excitement the students shared for learning! What empowerment for those kids – knowing they are capable of contributing to the learning of others,” said Elizabeth Gough, co-chair, Elgin Children’s Network.
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For more information:
Luiza Moczarski
Public Relations Supervisor
Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
519-631-1270 ext. 224
Erica Arnett
Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Elgin St Thomas Public Health
519-631-9900 ext. 1247
