MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (March 5, 2010) – On April 16, more than 100,000 Canadian youth will participate in the 39^th annual World Vision 30 Hour Famine. Youth will go hungry for 30 hours and raise funds in an effort to help Haiti quake survivors while also supporting the fight against global hunger. A portion of funds raised by participants will address immediate relief and long-term needs such as providing emergency supplies, shelter, food and the protection of children.

Have you ever wondered what really goes on at a purebred dog show? Does the idea of attending conjure up big screen images of quirky, comedic characters?

You might be surprised to know that these canine competitions are more than just paws, pomp and pageantry. Purebreds vying for the coveted title of "Best in Show" train like Olympians to make it into the ring. And dedicated breeders spend decades working to ensure every purebred puppy they produce is healthy with a good temperament.

It’s March break again, the time of year when parents eagerly try to find enjoyable and affordable activities to keep kids busy. With more than half of Canadian households having pets, fun activities are actually closer than many people realize. Pets can help kids learn patience, empathy and respect. PawsWay Pet Discovery Centre in Toronto offers up the following suggestions to keep the kids smiling this March break (while also teaching them about responsible pet ownership):

Literacy tips and activities for the month of February

By Dr. David Butler-Jones MD, Chief Public Health Officer of Canada

Hundreds of events and thousands of participants rally on January 27th to celebrate the benefits of families reading and learning together; register your event at FamilyLiteracyDay.ca

(Toronto, ON, January 20, 2010) – ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Family Literacy Day founding sponsor Honda Canada encourage all Canadians to make family literacy a priority by participating in Family Literacy Day promotions and celebrations happening across Canada during the next week.

Canadians encouraged to celebrate Family Literacy Day 2010 with a karaoke performance at home, school or in their community

(Toronto, ON, January 5, 2010) – ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Family Literacy Day founding sponsor Honda Canada are encouraging Canadians to Sing for Literacy this Family Literacy Day by offering popular English and French songs as free karaoke videos in partnership with The KARAOKE Channel. The free videos are accessible online at www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca throughout January 2010.

Winning family will receive visit from best-selling author Robert Munsch for writing original, creative story that will be illustrated and published in national magazines.

(Toronto, ON, December 16, 2009) — ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is pleased to announce that the Jordan family of Scarborough, Ontario has won the ‘Munsch at Home Contest’ for their original story Myles the Rockstar as selected by best-selling author and Family Literacy Day Honorary Chair, Robert Munsch.

Hundreds of children and adults gather at Royal Conservatory of Music’s Mazzeloni Hall to celebrate Family Literacy Day on January 27, 2010.

Talking to children about tragedy is a job most parents would love to avoid. If only our children did not need to hear about things like this week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti. But of course, they do hear. And they are full of questions: Could this happen to me? What’s going to happen to the children? Can I do anything to help the children I see on TV?

Carleen McGuinty, Policy Advisor/Child Protection at World Vision Canada, suggests eight ways to make a tough job a little bit easier.