Released on June 13, 2016
Foster families from across Saskatchewan were honoured in Saskatoon Saturday evening at a gala hosted by the Saskatchewan Foster Families Association (SFFA) and the Government of Saskatchewan.
“It takes very special people with a lot of compassion to open up their homes and their hearts to vulnerable children and youth to provide a safe, caring place for them to live - and even thrive - at a time when their families are in crisis,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “I’ve heard fostering described as both the hardest thing a person can do, and yet also one of the most rewarding. The gala evening is our way to thank those families and recognize their passion for helping our most vulnerable children.”
The Honouring and Caring Banquet is held every second year to celebrate all foster families and to specifically recognize those families who have dedicated 20 years of service, and those who are retiring with 20 or more years of service.
Two families were also honoured with special recognitions. Rena and Bill MacIntosh received the Montgomery Award for Excellence in Fostering. Lori-Lee and Kevin Harris received the Barb Bayer Volunteer of the Year Award, acknowledging their ongoing commitment to enhance the fostering experience.
“I can’t say enough about how proud we are to support foster parents all across this province,” Saskatchewan Foster Families Association Executive Director Deb Davies said. “The two families who received awards this weekend are exemplary but also, in many ways, typical. We have some amazing families all across this province whose everyday efforts are making a real difference in the lives of some of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable children.”
The SFFA is a non-profit, community-based organization created to support foster parents as caregivers through education and advocacy. They work with foster parents to create healthy homes, positive environments, and brighter futures for children and youth in care across the province.
For more information about foster families and becoming a foster parent, please visit the SFFA website at www.sffa.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-7835
Deb Davies
Saskatchewan Foster Families Association
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-270-3172
Email: sffa@sasktel.net