Always a highlight of MacKillop’s year, Foster Care Week is when we take time out to pay tribute to you, our amazing foster carers and thank you for the dedication and commitment you give to the children in your care.
Despite COVID-19 restrictions imposing a rapid shift from planned events in New South Wales and Victoria, we hope you agree that Foster Care Week 2021 turned into a wonderful celebration enjoyed by all carers and staff who took part
Our foster care recruitment teams quickly changed their focus from a series of ‘in-person’ events to arranging special deliveries, hampers or vouchers to foster carers. All foster carers in NSW and VIC received thank you cards with MacKillop branded magnetic picture clips.
The highlight of Foster Care Week was an online celebration event which was hosted by comedian Claire Hooper, co-host of The Great Australian Bake Off and author of popular children’s book, ‘Princess Benjamina has a very cheeky bum’. Legendary Australian musician, Tim Rogers, best known as the frontman of Australian rock band You Am I, entertained foster carers with classics, new tunes and popular songs from his band.
Announcing the Foster Care Regional Finalists in MacKillop’s annual Excellence Awards was a highlight of the online celebration event. More than 130 foster carers from Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales came together online to congratulate regional nominees and winners on the selfless work they do to support children who need them. Congratulations to all nominated carers.
As carers were joining the online event from the comfort of home, the children and young people you care for joined in. Many of you have told us that the kids ended up stealing the show by chatting to our CEO, Robyn, and singing and dancing along to the music.
In Victoria, our new foster care TV advertisement made its debut during Foster Care Week, featuring the stories of three carer households in regional Victoria (you can view it here). We also had a radio advertising campaign in regional NSW and VIC and stories from MacKillop foster carers ran in local papers and in radio interviews, promoting the need for more people to put their hands up to be foster carers and support children who are unable to live safely at home. Thank you to all carers who got involved and shared their story.
The final word goes to some of our foster carers who joined the online event:
“What a great celebration and I just loved hearing the stories about the nominees for the awards.”
“Just wanted to say I really enjoyed the Foster Care Awards night. The interaction with the kids was the best part😊. Loved Claire Hooper also.”
“This has been such a wonderful evening acknowledging the foster carers and seeing our beautiful children across Australia. My heart is full!”