'Light the Way Home' is our national campaign that takes place each May, culminating with National Missing Children’s Day on May 25th.
National Missing Children's Day
On May 25th, 1979, Six-year-old Etan Patz kissed his mother goodbye and started off to catch the school bus waiting just two blocks from his New York City home. It was the first time Etan had ever been allowed to walk to the bus stop alone. His mother, Julia, stood and watched as her son playfully made his way down the first block. In those few moments it would have taken Etan Patz to walk the remaining block, he disappeared.
There are thousands of horrifying stories just like Etan’s all across North America, stories of children who seemingly vanish without a trace. For the families of these children, the years can go by without any answers, and pain and emptiness remain a constant companion. Hope may begin to fade.
In commemoration of all missing children, the anniversary of Etan's disappearance was first designated as Missing Children's Day by a U.S. Presidential Proclamation in 1983. Canada followed suit in 1986, when Solicitor General Perrin Beatty declared May 25th as National Missing Children's Day on behalf of the Canadian government.
“Light the Way Home” For Missing Children
Our Light the Way Home campaign, now in its 15th year, runs during the month of May each year leading up to National Missing Children's Day on May 25th.
The campaign has three aims:
- Reach millions of Canadians from coast to coast with the message “Light a candle on the evening of May 25th to help Light the Way Home for missing children.”
- Increase public awareness and involvement in the search for missing children.
- Raise funds to help MCSC continue its active search for all missing children.
On May 25th, we ask you to join us in lighting a candle in remembrance and in hope of all missing children. Together, our candles shining brightly become a symbol of the hope we all share for the safe return of missing children everywhere. This simple act reassures searching families that their children are not forgotten.
GET INVOLVED
We invite you to take part in our Light The Way Home campaign. We welcome the opportunity to work with you to involve groups such as:
- Families
- Corporate Employee Engagement Programs
- Schools
- Community Groups
Please click here to learn about our 2010 Light the Way Home campaign.