Colour Me Healthy Poster Challenge 2002

In 2002, local children in the Truro area in grades primary through six were invited to take part in the Colour Me Healthy Poster Challenge. Children were asked to create posters of health-related issues that were of importance to them, their families and their community.

"The response to this project was great," says Theresa Osborne, Executive Secretary for the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia." "Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia, with the support of the Wellness Fund and the Truro and Area Health Board, created this project to encourage health related discussions in class and at home." Issues depicted on the posters covered a wide variety of topics such as; fresh air in schools, the importance of a good breakfast, non-smoking, non-alcohol and non-drug issues, literacy, clean environment and physical activity. Over 350 posters were submitted and judged on originality, artwork and message.

Seventeen winning posters were chosen and prizes of one hundred dollars each were presented to the lucky students. "It was a difficult decision as the quality and originality of the artwork was truly wonderful," says Osborne. The winning posters have now been made into bright and colourful calendars and posters and have been distributed to participating schools, businesses and to individuals across the province.

"Farmers help us by giving us milk, eggs and meat." - Lee Marie Kennedy,
Grade 2, Alice Street School

"I chose this drawing because it shows people that you should not drink and drive because you can get killed." - Dougie Pyke, Grade 5, Redcliff Middle School