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04/11/2023 01:03 PMIn an effort to bring increased awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Exchange Club of Madison has brought the Pinwheel Project to the Town Green.
“We’ve been looking for other events to raise awareness for this cause, so the current Pinwheel Project is one of those,” Heenan said. “There will be a display on the Green. There will be a large banner and pinwheels put up, and that will be on display on the Green from the last week of March through the month of April.”
Sponsored by Prevent Child Abuse American, the national Pinwheel Project was created in 2008 to raise awareness and funds. According to the organization, “Pinwheels are a reminder that we all play a role in children’s lives” and is an opportunity to “(s)how your support for our nation’s children and help get your children involved in the movement by making your own pinwheel display.”
President of the Madison Exchange Club Dun Heenan said child abuse and neglect can be found everywhere and urges residents to understand the complexities of this issue and how they can help.
According to Heenan, every child wishes to feel safe, loved, and protected and sadly, that is not always the case. The CDC estimates that at least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States.
“Children who are abused and neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones. They may also have emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety or posttraumatic stress. Child abuse prevention is an important mission of the Madison Exchange Club. Each year, the Club provides significant financial support to two child abuse prevention centers in Connecticut, Kidsafe in Rockville and the Bristol Child Abuse Prevention Center.”
Heenan added, “In addition to funding, we host several events throughout the year that help bring joy into the children’s lives. During the holiday season, the Club adopts 10 to 15 children and makes their Santa wish list come true by providing clothing and toys."
In addition to participating in the Pinwheel Project, the club will host a Center Shower in June to further commemorate Child Abuse Prevention Month.
"We will host a Center Shower providing clothing, baby supplies, and baby food and have started a children’s library along with a reference library for parents.”
According to Heenan, the funding for these initiatives comes from events sponsored by the all-volunteer club, including their Christmas tree sales on the Green, and the annual Golf Classic Tournament.
For more information or to donate to the Exchange Club, visit echangemadison.org.