Celebrate Universal Children's Day
at the McCord Museum with free family admission to the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal

Montreal, Tuesday, November 16, 2004 — Celebrate Universal Children's Day at the McCord Museum this Saturday, November 20, 2004. In conjunction with its major new exhibition, Growing Up in Montréal, the McCord invites families to leave new or used toys under the McCord Museum Christmas tree in exchange for free admission.

As part of their Christmas basket campaign Montreal firefighters are collecting used toys that will be cleaned, repaired and redistributed this holiday season to underprivileged families. This year, the McCord is working with City of Montréal firefighters to offer a free family admission to the Museum for each donation. On Saturday afternoon, local firefighters from Fire Station 25 (corner Drummond and St. Catherine) will welcome visitors of all ages as they donate their toys. The event offers Montrealers a chance to express their generosity at the start of the holiday season.

Saturday, November 20, is a great day to share the spirit of the season and remember the joys of childhood, all while having fun visiting the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal and meeting Montreal firefighters. Just look for the big red fire trucks outside the McCord Museum on Sherbrooke Street West!

What is Universal Children's Day?
November 20, 2004 marks the 45th anniversary of the United Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 15th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the latter being the magna carta for the rights of children nationally and around the world. Observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children and of activities promoting the welfare of the world's children, November 20 was officially designated National Children's Day in Canada in 1993.

Family Activities at the McCord Museum
While at the McCord on Saturday, take part in the arts and crafts workshop SANTA'S VILLAGE, where you can sculpt clay into a bevy of busy elves and their tiny houses. Offered every Saturday and Sunday in November and December from 1:30 to 3:30 pm.

The McCord also offers a range of independent family activities in conjunction with the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal. Look for the family symbol in the exhibition halls! All activities are bilingual and included in Museum admission.

• One, Two, Buckle My Shoe...
  This eventful trip through the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal will show you what's changed and what hasn't for kids over the past 100 years.

• The Wishing Tree
  Let your hopes take the form of a glittery metal star, then pin it on the wishing tree in the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal.

• Don't Forget to Write!
  Before leaving the exhibition Growing Up in Montréal, take a moment to write a note telling us about one of your fondest childhood memories.

• Hang Up Your Designs
  Be inspired by the children's clothing on display in Growing Up in Montréal and display your own designs on our clothesline.

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Source and Information:

Nike Langevin
(514) 398-7100, ext. 251