Ribbon cutting ceremony hosted for Hope's Cradle in Strathmore

A last resort option for parents who feel they cannot care for their newborn opened on Saturday.
The Hope's Cradle, an initiative to allow parents to safely and anonymously leave a child if they feel they cannot care for them, is now located at the fire station in Strathmore. Once an infant is left in the cradle, a silent alarm will inform staff.
After a baby is dropped off, parents have 30 days to contact authorities if they want to change their decision.
"We want to make (parents) comfortable knowing that the child will be cared for and will be safe and that we will have first responders there within minutes," said Capt. Eric Alexander with Strathmore Fire.
Leaving a baby in the cradle will not result in criminal charges unless the child is injured.
"This is just to help fill a gap or a need that some people may consider," said Dave Sweet, chairperson for the Gems for Gems organization — the non-profit partnering with Strathmore Fire to open the Hope's Cradle.
"Of course, there are other agencies and other ways that we can safely surrender infants. It doesn't have to be through the cradle program. But this might fit a specific person better than say a surrender in another way."
The impetus for the project came in 2017 after a baby was found abandoned in a Calgary dumpster on Christmas Eve.
The cost to install the safe abandonment cradle is around $20,000.
"We are very proud of it," Alexander added. "Our intention and hope is that it grows to other fire departments across Canada."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
3 children killed in Nashville school shooting, suspect dead
Three children were killed in a shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday morning before police 'engaged' the suspected attacker, leaving the suspect dead, local officials said.

Federal budget to include grocery rebate for lower income Canadians: sources
The 2023 federal budget includes a 'grocery rebate' that will be offered to Canadians with lower incomes who may be struggling with the rising cost of food, CTV News has confirmed.
MP Han Dong threatens legal action against Global over foreign interference report
Han Dong is threatening legal action against Global News and its parent company Corus Entertainment after the media outlet published an allegation the Toronto MP spoke to a Chinese diplomat about delaying the release of two Canadians.
Sask. judge grants bail to sisters who say they were wrongfully convicted
A Saskatchewan judge has granted bail to two sisters who have spent nearly 30 years in prison for what they say are wrongful murder convictions.
Advocate questions whether Air Canada has 'cultural problem' after issue with teen's wheelchair
Flying over the Grand Canyon was a highlight for the Gellisen family during their trip to Phoenix, but their flight home to Toronto was a much different experience, with several family members forced off of the flight over tensions related to a teen's wheelchair.
'Rigorous' cost management needed as $5B Centre Block renovation proceeds: AG report
Despite delayed decision-making by parliamentarians, Canada's massive renovation of Parliament Hill's Centre Block is being effectively managed so far, according to a new audit. However, 'rigorous' cost management will be needed as the work proceeds, cautions auditor general Karen Hogan.
Quebec girl, 9, dies after snow fort collapses behind residence
A nine-year-old girl has died after a snow fort collapsed in a forest behind a rural Quebec home.
Xylazine: Expert view on risk of lethal substance in Canada’s street drug supply
Another harmful substance is spreading within Canada's unregulated street drug supply and, without more aggressive intervention from policymakers, one expert says a growing number of people could be at risk of serious illness, injury or death.
Essential oils and a secret code name: Things you didn't know about the coronation
King Charles III's coronation will be held on May 6 at London's Westminster Abbey. Here are some little-known facts about the ceremony: