The CHILD Cohort Study’s first Poster Contest prompted a national outpouring of creativity by Study participants.

A total of 220 kids submitted their colourful creations about their experiences as Study participants. Submissions originated from participants ranging in age from 7 to 11 years old at all four Study sites across Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Manitoba, Toronto) and beyond - from Victoria to Saskatoon to Halifax.

The original posters demonstrated a stunning variety of artistic approaches and themes, and shared many powerful messages, including how these children feel about being part of a long-running national research study that is helping to create a healthier future for others. 

A pan-Canadian panel of judges managed to select five top prize-winners from this wealth of artistry.

The judges, drawn from across  sectors—academia, broadcast and print media, government, not-for-profit community organizations, charitable foundations—share a commitment to children's wellbeing and a connection to CHILD.

"CHILD is an incredibly important research platform for Canada and the world. Thanks to these kids (and their parents), we are discovering what early life factors affect health and wellbeing as kids grow up. Though it was tough to choose among so many fabulous posters, judging this contest was great fun and an amazing experience," commented poster judge Timothy Caulfield, an author, TV host, and health-law expert.

AllerGen and the CHILD Cohort Study are proud to announce the 2020 CHILD Poster Contest winners, below.

View the winners' gallery | See the top 20 finalists | Meet the poster judges

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Antonio

11 years old, Toronto, ON

My poster is about what being part of the CHILD Study means to me. How a few hours of my time can help CHILD Study to predict, prevent and treat children's illnesses. 3 Hours of my time is nothing compared to a lifetime for another child who is suffering from allergies or asthma.

The symbols on my poster:

• Silhouette of a pregnant mother - because the CHILD Study starts in the womb of the mother just like my Mama who volunteered us to join the CHILD Study when I was still in her tummy.
• Shield inside the heart - to defend and protect the child (circle with triangle means Unity; upside-down mushroom means Growth).
• Heart (map of Earth) - with love, everything is possible and we can conquer all.

Mikaela

8 years old, Vancouver, BC

​My poster is about the wonderful things the CHILD Cohort Study has done. On one of my visits, I got scared when my mom told me about the blood test, but I realized it was not so bad because they gave me a special cream. My favourite part was when hug robot squeezed my arm. I also liked it when I wore the GPS. Some of the other things I got to do was the breathing test, the allergy test and the pee and poo samples. One thing CHILD has discovered was that if a mom is having artificial sweetener during pregnancy, the baby has a higher risk of obesity.

Jacob

11 years old, Sherwood Park, AB

My name is Jacob, I am 11 years old now. I remember going to the clinic and playing in the waiting room with all the toys. I always thought those toys were better than mine. I liked the feeling of the allergy needles.

Preston

9 years old, Altona, MB

At first I was scared to get my blood taken but they distracted me and it barely hurt at all.

Vanessa

9 years old, Mississauga, ON

My poster is about all the fun things I got to do at Sick Kids Hospital for the Child Study. From my mom completing surveys to me doing breathing tests. Thank you to all the kids who are participating!

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Congratulations to the prizewinners, to all the kids who submitted their wonderful posters, and to all the CHILD families whose commitment to the Study is helping kids to live healthier lives.

View all the posters

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