October 24, 2023
October is Foster and Kinship Caregiver Month in Alberta, so we thought it fitting to talk about our new initiative for foster children.
It is difficult to imagine that some children and teens can be faced with quickly packing up their precious belongings, into a garbage bag, when having to move to a different home or into foster care. Whatever the reason, removing a child from one home and placing them in another is traumatic.
A suitcase can be an essential item that can help restore dignity and hope. Using a garbage bag rather than a proper suitcase might send a message to these children that they themselves are disposable. That's the driving force behind Suitcases for Kids.
Why is Lethbridge Family Services committed to this initiative? We learned about the need through Children’s Services during our LFS Angel Tree Christmas Campaign last year. Barbara Tillsley, an Angel Tree supporter, stepped up to the challenge of chairing the Suitcases for Kids Campaign.
“It’s not enough to just wish things were better in the world, I want to find a way to actually help! And I think foster children deserve the support of their entire community, myself included,” says Barbara. “This is a way to actively make a difference in the lives of local children, to help provide them with a small measure of comfort and security during a difficult time in their lives.”
“It would help these children to literally and emotionally unpack and sort through their feelings; provide a little security; and yes, bring hope,” adds Michelle Gallucci, Director, Advancement & Communication for Lethbridge Family Services.
Working with amazing people at South Region Children’s Services is giving direction to this initiative. As told to us by a team member, “one of my kinship families said to me that the children in their care haven’t changed my life, they are my life.”
How to Help?
Fundraising Goal: $10,000
How many children will we help? 50 children in Lethbridge and area
Cost of each suitcase with contents: $200
Anyone can donate to this particular initiative by visiting
www.LFSfamily.ca/donate.
The Reality
Foster children frequently have few belongings; just a couple outfits, photographs, and a stuffed animal or toy. When they are moved between families, these children are often forced to carry their few keepsakes and belongings in plastic trash bags. Carrying their items in bags can be embarrassing and yet another reminder of how little they own.
Suitcases for Kids sample items on display at the recent LFS Annual General Meeting in September.
Suitcase and Contents (approximate cost):
1. Medium size suitcase: $90
2. Blanket: $15
4. Colouring books, markers/crayons: $5
5. Journal and pen: $10
6. Crafts or Toys or Game: $30
7. Snacks: $15
8. Hygiene Kit: $35
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Pajamas or night shirt
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Toothbrush and toothpaste
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Shampoo and conditioner
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Bar soap & body wash
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Bath towel
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1–2 face cloths
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2 pairs of socks
A media event was held in the Lethbridge Family Services Training Room on October 24, 2023 at 11:00 am. Barbara Tillsley, Suitcases for Kids Campaign Lead/Spokesperson and Michelle Gallucci, Director of Advancement & Communications at LFS spoke and answered questions. Barbara and Dave Tillsley have generously offered to match every gift made to Suitcases for Kids, up to $5,000, so we can reach our goal!
Lethbridge Family Services is the largest community social and health services organization in Lethbridge, employing 380+ people, and has been operating since 1910. LFS helps over 9,300 people improve their quality of life on an annual basis with the support of four key Departments: Home Services, Immigrant Services, Counselling, Outreach & Education, and DaCapo Disability Services.
Media Contact:
Michelle Gallucci
Director, Advancement & Communications
Lethbridge Family Services
mgallucci@lsfamily.ca
403-915-8028
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