This team of carers are running to raise awareness for foster care kids in Tasmania!
Image: From left: Tasmanian CYF Director Paul Cairns joined our Foster Carers Lyndon, Mitch, Georgie, and Katie in the Hobart Airport Marathon on 25 September to raise awareness of the need for Foster Carers in Tasmania. Front row: Paul’s daughters.
You might remember reading about our enthusiastic carers in Tasmania taking on local marathon events while wearing our t-shirts to raise awareness for the urgent need for foster carers: Lyndon, Georgie, and Mitchel.
The dynamic trio have completed various runs since we caught up with them in the last edition, the latest being the Hobart Airport Marathon. This time they were joined by fellow carer Katie Wells and Paul Cairns, Director Child, Youth Family Tasmania. They even made the local television news!
Paul Cairns also has experience as a foster carer, which he brings to his role every day.
“Foster carers are the unsung heroes of our community, and their contribution often goes unacknowledged,” Paul said.
“Carers make a remarkable difference by providing children with a positive and family-based environment. It is a challenging but rewarding role.”
There are so many reasons why children come into foster care. While each child has a unique set of needs and experiences, almost all come from complex family and social situations where they may have suffered neglect, trauma, or abuse.
Experienced local carer and Carer Ambassador Katie Wells, who joined the fun running crew, said fostering is primarily about offering a safe, supportive, and respectful home environment.
“It can be long-term full-time, short-term emergency or weekend respite – wearing our shirts during this marathon event is to really encourage Tasmanians to consider being a carer.”
Image: Three foster carers wearing black t-shirts with pink text which reads: Tassie Kids Needs Foster Carers.
