THUNDER BAY – The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay officially launched a special community campaign to the public today, to highlight the issues facing local children and the unique individuals who become foster or adoptive parents.
Currently the need for foster and adoptive parents is urgent and growing in the District of Thunder Bay. Executive Director Rob Richardson says; “In the District of Thunder Bay today, there are over 200 children, of all ages and with diverse needs, who are relying on adults to step forward and show them the care that they rightfully need and deserve”.
The campaign features the tag line “I Care/We Care, Do you?” and showcases local foster and adoptive parents in the Thunder Bay district and shares their experiences and stories.
Manager of Foster Care and Adoption, Anna Gosselin says; “Our foster and adoptive parents come from all walks of life. Whether you are married, single, younger, older, common-law, single, heterosexual, gay, lesbian, with or without children and of diverse cultures and ethnicities, anyone can be a foster parent. What you must share is a willingness to care for a child who, through no fault of their own, cannot live with his or her own parents”.
Jason and Suzanne Hart are parents featured in the new campaign. They have been foster parents for the last eleven years. Suzanne says; “It has been a great experience, and knowing that we changed the life of one child made us continue to foster. Of course there are challenges along the way, but that is expected when raising any child. We encourage others to show they care by fostering or adopting.”
At today’s campaign launch, The Foster Family Association along with CAS foster care staff released two-hundred colourful balloons into the sky above the local Children’s Aid Society office to represent the more than two-hundred diverse and bright children in the Thunder Bay & District who currently need care. The balloons remained outside of the facility during the day to remind community members that local children need their help. Richardson says; “Balloons are a symbol of a journey and represent aspirations, goals, and renewed hope. Our goal at CAS is to ensure these children have a safe and caring home to help them succeed in life today and in the future. ”
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Thunder Bay will host an information evening on September 28th 2010, at their Thunder Bay office at 6:30 p.m. for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent.
Show you care today. Call 1-807-343-6100 or visit www.thunderbaycas.ca to learn more about fostering or adoption.
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