A local organisation has installed a public display at Mount Duneed to highlight the need for more foster carers in the Geelong region.
Not-for-profit community service organisation Meli is raising awareness of the huge demand for local foster carers through the message, ‘Foster a Future’, composed of giant, free-standing letters.
The message, located at the corner of the Surf Coast Highway and Armstrong Boulevard, also promotes Meli’s annual Foster a Future Appeal.
The appeal, which has raised more than $120,000 over the past two years, raises funds to support foster families and help Meli recruit more foster parents.
With Meli receiving an average of five referrals per week of children needing care, manager of Care Services Jo Dumesny said the shortage of foster care homes made it difficult to support those children.
“On any given night, there are children in need of a safe place to stay, and unfortunately, we don’t always have enough homes for them to go to,” she said.
The site of the new display is Villawood Properties’ Armstrong development.
The issue of foster care is close to the heart of Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe, who grew up alongside foster children.
“My parents, Tess and John, had five children of their own, and also fostered others,” he said.
“We often had children from orphanages stay with us, including some who had disabilities, as Mum taught in a special school.
“I understand there’s a real need today to find places for children in difficult circumstances. Meli needs suitable people to step up and help children and young people… just as my parents did.”
Meli chief executive Robyn Hayles welcomed Villawood’s support for the Foster a Future Appeal, which runs from September 12 to 20.
She said funds raised during the campaign would be used to recruit, train and retain foster carers, as well as provide support and recreational activities for children and young people.
“We urgently need more foster carers – whether you’re a couple, a family, or an individual, you can make a difference,” Ms Hayles said.
Visit meli.org.au/fosterafuture for more information on Meli’s fundraising campaign.
