The next smartgirl challenge: How has a woman in your life inspired you to make a difference?
TORONTO, March 20, 2012 /CNW/ - It is hard to fathom that many mothers and babies in developing countries lack the fundamental health care that Canadians may take for granted. In fact, more than half of women in Tanzania deliver their babies without the assistance of trained birth attendants, resulting in thousands dying every year from childbirth complications.
Plan Canada's Because I am a Girl initiative and glacéau smartwater are once again teaming up for the smartgirl challenge to raise awareness for girls' rights to help them claim a brighter and safer future. This time, they are working together to change the conditions for women and their babies in Tanzania.
In 2011, Because I am a Girl ambassador and Olympian, Jennifer Heil was changed by her smartgirl experience; "My time in Rwanda with last year's smartgirl winners was amazing. Accompanying these bright young Canadians on this trip of a lifetime and experiencing the hope and positive change that Because I am a Girl is bringing to this devastated region was unforgettable."
This year, TV personality Rosey Edeh, together with Plan Canada's Because I am a Girl initiative and glacéau smartwater are celebrating the strong bond between mothers and their children and raising awareness on the importance of maternal health. They are challenging Canadians to get involved by sharing their own stories of how their mother or another influential woman has inspired them to make a difference in the lives of girls and women. "I'm thrilled to team up with smartwater and Because I am Girl for their 2012 initiative. As the mother and mentor to Micha, my own smartgirl, this cause is especially close to my heart. I want to encourage her to be smart, to be powerful and I look forward to the opportunity to share this experience with her and another incredible young woman through this initiative."
The smartgirl challenge will run from March 20th until April 20, 2012. One winner and the influential woman who inspired her will be selected to join smartgirl Micha and Rosey Edeh on an unforgettable trip to Tanzania this July to help celebrate a new community maternal clinic for moms and their babies. Canadian residents aged 16 and older are eligible to enter.
For more details on the smartgirl challenge please visit www.smartwatercanada.ca or www.becauseiamagirl.ca/smartgirls
For further information:
Aly Ruiz / Frances Manlucu
416.969.2763 / 416.969.2715
[email protected] / [email protected]
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