Of all the museums in the National Capital Region, Danira Beslic likes the Canadian Museum of Civilization best.
“There’s a lot of fun things to do,” said the eight-year-old Grade 3 student at York Street Public School. “You can play at the Children’s Museum or learn about countries.”
Her teacher, Delia Craig, agreed.
Museums are a great outing for students, who enjoy hands-on interaction, she said. “I think we are incredibly fortunate to have so many museums a stone’s throw away from where we are. The opportunity is fantastic.”
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is ensuring every child will get the opportunity to enjoy museum programs through its Valentine’s Day Ball, which they announced Thursday.
All proceeds from the Feb. 14 event will support programming, including hands-on activities, games and workshops for children at the museum and its sister institution, the Canadian War Museum.
Last year’s event raised more than $57,000 for children’s programming.
Valentine’s Day Ball committee chairwoman Joy Noonan said that as a parent, she believes the “value you get from a day at the museum is incomparable.”
Her own children have enjoyed the interactive play at the museum, she said.
“If we can tap into their interests, we can stimulate their desire to learn about the world around them,” said committee member Sylvie Morel.
“There are many worthy causes competing these days. Teaching kids about history and culture may not seem like a priority in these economic times, but it’s important to open young people’s eyes to the world around them,” she added.
“In these economically challenging times, it is more important than ever to continue offering high-quality programming, which opens children’s eyes to the world,” agreed museum president and CEO Dr. Victor Rabinovitch.
