In recognition of National Foster Family Week which runs from October 21 – 27 this year, Highland Shores Children’s Aid held several appreciation events where those who make a difference in the lives of children and youth were honoured. On October 19th, an appreciation dinner was held at the Maynooth ANAF Club to recognize the dedication and commitment of Highland Shores foster and kin parents from the North Hastings area. Jason and Ann Ahola were recognized as Foster Parents of the Year. Joanne and Richard Paquette were the recipients of the Foster ParentAssociation’s Award and Stacey and Art Bachellier received the Angel Award. Michelle Sunstrum, North Hastings Resources and Children’s Services Supervisor congratulates all of the North Hastings recipients on behalf of the Society and thanks them for the important role they play in the life of the community’s vulnerable children. “We are very happy to honour these families who do so much for the children and youth in our care”, she said.
In South Hastings, foster and kin parents were also treated to an appreciation evening on October 19th at the Banquet Centre in Belleville. Ann Dafoe was recognized as South Hastings Foster Parent of the Year. Bonnie and Al Bryans were the recipients of the Foster Family Association’s Award. The Angel Award was presented to Sheila and Stafford Turcotte and Michelle Struthers and Chris Low. Sylvia Pearsall, Supervisor of Resources said “We have a wonderful group of foster and kin parents who provide nurturing relationships to children and youth in need. We congratulate them all for the important community contribution they make.”
On October 23rd, the contributions of foster and kin parents and volunteers from the Northumberland area were recognized at a catered event held at the Labourers’ International Union Building in Cobourg. Numerous service awards were presented, including recognition to the Andersens for 25 years of fostering and to Pat Andrews for 30 years of fostering, both in the former Northumberland program and the Treatment Foster Care program. Lois Rothrock, Resource Services Supervisor, commented, “The outstanding commitment and dedication of our foster parents and volunteers inspireeach of us on a daily basis. It is our privilege to recognize their accomplishments and to thank them publicly”.