Media Advisory & Photo Op - 3,500 comfort kits to be packed and delivered across Canada to children in need entering foster care

Essential items that provide comfort and support for children entering care to be provided through the Children's Aid Foundation's Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Transition Program

TORONTO, Aug. 6, 2015 /CNW/ - On Tuesday, August 11, volunteers will roll up their sleeves to stuff backpacks filled with a range of age-appropriate items and supplies that will provide much-needed comfort for approximately 3,500 children who come into the care of the child welfare system each year. Organized by the Children's Aid Foundation's Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Transition Program, the aim of the comfort kits is to ease the transition for children and youth who require support during a time of tremendous uncertainty in their lives.

"Children who are removed from an unsafe situation may have to leave quickly, and often can't take with them many of their personal belongings that could provide comfort during this unsettling time in their lives," says Rebecca Green, Director of Grants and Programs, Children's Aid Foundation. "Having a teddy bear, a blanket, or a familiar toy can assist with their well-being and provide a greater sense of security as they transition into foster care from an abusive home."

The comfort kit backpacks will be delivered by AMJ Campbell, the program's national partner, to 19 child welfare agencies across Canada, from Victoria to Iqaluit to Halifax, where they will distribute them to children and youth in their local communities. The backpacks and their contents have been provided by generous program supporters including Altima Dental, Rotary Club of East York, Loving Healing Press, and assembled, stored and shipped by AMJ Campbell and its franchisees across Canada.,

Some of the items in the comfort kit backpacks include: age-appropriate personal care and hygiene products, children's books, dental care kits (toothbrushes/floss/toothpaste) and teddy bears. In addition, the Children's Aid Foundation's Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Transition Program provides funds to participating child welfare agencies to purchase additional items to personalize items in the backpacks for children and youth coming into care.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

WHAT:	Backpacks filled with everyday essentials for 3,500 children entering child welfare system will be assembled by volunteers and staff from the Children's Aid Foundation and AMJ Campbell at AMJ Campbell's warehouse
WHEN:	Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 10:15 am
WHO:	Rebecca Green, Director, Grants and Programs, Children's Aid Foundation
	Erine Roberts, former youth in care
	Pierre Frappier, General Manager, AMJ Campbell Toronto
WHERE:	AMJ Campbell's Warehouse
	6140 Vipond Drive,
	Mississauga Ontario
	L5T 2B2

About the Children's Aid Foundation
The Children's Aid Foundation is a national charity dedicated to improving the lives of Canada's abused and neglected children and young people currently or formerly living in the child welfare system. With the support of generous donors, the Children's Aid Foundation works with child welfare organizations across Canada to provide funding in the areas of prevention, education, enrichment, healing and recovery. Learn more at www.cafdn.org .

 

 

 

SOURCE Children's Aid Foundation

Lisa Lipkin
[email protected]
416-988-4189