Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Children were the topic of the day at the launch of Children's Expo '07 on Tuesday.

The annual expo is the major fund-raising event for The Jamaica Foundation for Children, an organisation responsible for distributing contributions to the various child care agencies.

Tina Matalon, marketing manager for KFC, announced that the company would increase its contribution to $1 million for the expo.

It will run from May 10 to 13 at the National Arena and is being held under the theme, 'Fathers, your children need you.' There will be various interactive booths, which include KFC's Chicky and Chicky Land, a book fair, story telling, a puppet show and performances from the Alpha Boys' Band and the Kingston Drummers, among others.

Organisers of the event were happy to reinforce their commitment to the development of the nation's children.

Richard Lumsden, chairman of the foundation, said with the myriad of challenges children face in the society; exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, peer pressure, violence and drugs among others, they would continue to focus their attention on the needs of children.

Horace Dalley, Minister of Health and guest speaker, spoke about the importance of not letting our love die for the children, the future of the country.

April 10 and 11 are reserved for schools to take students to the expo at a cost of $50 per child. On the 12th to 13th, children 12 years old and younger will pay $100 for admission, while everyone else will pay $200.

All tickets will be sold before the event to ensure the safety of the patrons.

Representatives for sponsors of the event, KFC, Cable and Wireless Jamaica Foundation, Tang, Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC), Milex Security Services, National Safety Limited, Shirlhome Chemical, West Indies Alumina Company (Windalco), Xsomo International Limited, The Gleaner Company Limited and Power 106/Music 99, were in attendance proudly declaring their support for the event.

Also in attendance were Joan Andrea Hutchinson, master of ceremonies; Monica Dias communication specialist UNICEF Jamaica; Dr. Pauline Mullings, chairman, National Child Month Committee; and Ann-Marie Astwood from Cable & Wireless Jamaica Foundation.