THE joy of Christmas has been shared this month between foster carer families and ac.care’s Out of Home Care team at regional festive celebrations.
Christmas-themed events held at Mount Gambier, Monarto, Victor Harbor and Barmera brought the agency’s regional carer communities together to celebrate and acknowledge their significant contribution to children in care throughout 2024.
Foster carers and their families, including young people in care, were treated to a range of experiences, all aimed at providing entertainment and the opportunity to socialise in a festive atmosphere.
ac.care was generously supported by local businesses and other agencies as part of the celebrations, helping to create memorable opportunities for all.
Riverland foster carers congregated at the Barmera Club, where ac.care joined Department for Child Protection and other agency staff to host a celebration full of fun, including activities and prizes.
ac.care also supported DCP events held in the Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula, with some foster carer families enjoying a day at Monarto Zoo, while others attended a pool party at Fleurieu Aquatic Centre.
In the Limestone Coast, foster carer families supported by ac.care attended a Christmas Party at the agency’s White Avenue Head Office which included children’s activities, live music and a BBQ lunch with meat supplied by OneFortyOne and cooked by South East Street Machines members.
ac.care also received generous support of local businesses across the regions that donated food or gifts to help make the celebrations special, including Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Kmart, Good360, Mount Gambier and District Community Bank, Metro Bakery and Café, Christy Wallace face painting, Strings Attached music duo and Farmfresh Market Murray Bridge.
It is these gratefully received donations of goods, services or time from our local communities that help increase the impact we can have on country people.
This also allowed gifts to be handed out to children and young people in care, along with the children of carers, who welcome foster siblings into their homes.
ac.care Out of Home Care executive manager Stephen Green thanked the foster carer community for their dedication throughout the year.
“You play an incredible role in the lives of children who need care, security and stability,” Mr Green said.
“Your commitment to supporting children in need and the way that you partner with us in your journey is greatly appreciated,” he said.
“ac.care is fortunate to work alongside you and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the new year.”
The regional foster carer Christmas celebrations form part of yearly calendar of events aimed at building relationships and supportive connections between our foster carer network.
This includes regular coffee mornings or other gatherings throughout the year.
Would you like to learn more about becoming a foster carer? Fill out the form below and start your journey today.
You can also call ac.care during business hours on 1300 ACCARE or follow the agency’s Facebook page to be alerted to upcoming information sessions.
