More than 300 people gathered for a heartfelt and impactful event celebrating the efforts of foster carers in our community at Meli’s third annual Foster a Future Breakfast.
Held at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday, September 23, the event is the organisation’s main fundraiser for its Foster a Future Appeal .
Hosted by well-known broadcaster Myf Warhurst, the breakfast also featured four-time cricket World Cup champion Lisa Sthalekar as keynote speaker.
Ms Sthalekar shared her experience at India’s Shreevatsa orphanage, relating the care she received there and the impact it had on her life.
She described returning there in 2012 to meet children and staff at the facility, including a carer who worked there while Ms Sthalekar was there as an infant.
“While I was there for only three weeks, those carers gave the love, attention and care that I needed to start off my life,” she said.
“If I didn’t have them, I don’t know where I’d be. So even though it’s a small amount of time, it can have such a huge impact on a child’s life.
“I think you guys (foster carers) do a wonderful job. It may be for a weekend, it may be for a night, but that can have such a big impact.”
Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles highlighted the urgent need for more foster carers in our community.
“It’s really important that we highlight the important work our foster carers do and the contribution that they make to society,” Ms Hayles said.
“The sense of safety and stability that you offer literally changes lives.”
The breakfast also featured a panel including Meli’s care services manager Jo Dumesny, past care leaver Jesse Miller and foster carer Gel Klein-Boonschate.
Returning for her third year as MC, Ms Warhurst spoke about her own experience as a foster carer.
“If you’re thinking about it, just do it,” she said.
“The best thing you can do for a child is help them and help them feel safe.”
Visit meli.org.au/fostercare for more information on how to get involved as a foster carer.
