Recently, the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP hosted the Annual Foster Children’s Christmas Party with support from the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Senator, the Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons, JP and members of Cabinet Office staff.
Bermuda’s foster youth and their parents enjoyed a festive evening of games, food, music and gifts. The Christmas Party was held St. Paul AME Church which partners every year with the Foster Care Programme to provide the venue for this event.
During the party, Premier Burt met several foster parents and foster children. Premier Burt expressed his gratitude to the foster parents for their undying commitment and love for the children. The Premier also thanked the Government departments and private companies for their partnership and support of the annual event.
DCFS’ Foster Care section works closely with the registered charity, Foster Parent Association (FPA). The charity organized the gift donations with the generous help from donors: Renaissance Re; Ariel Re; Bermuda Tourism; Walkers Bermuda; Bermuda Police Service; Ascendant Group; Willis Towers Watson; Lancashire Insurance Group, Masterkey Management Ltd and DanceSations.
The DCFS Foster Care Staff are extremely appreciative of the hands-on support provided by the Cabinet Office Staff who were directly responsible for organizing the food, decorations, games, arts and crafts, and of course Santa and the DJ.
Selena Simons, DCFS Foster Care Coordinator, said, “Each year the Department is faced with providing foster homes to upwards of more than 80 children. As each year comes to an end, it is always a delight to put together the Annual Foster Children’s Christmas party, which is a success due to the collective generosity of many persons.
Ms. Simons added, “A special thanks to Bermuda Restaurants Limited for their continued support in hosting the Angel Tree and space for the collection of gifts. The Angel Tree made it possible for anonymous members of the general public to donate gifts for the foster children.”
Bermuda’s Foster Children have many needs. DCFS is always looking to add more foster parents to the dedicated pool that they have. If you would like to learn more about the Foster Care Programme, please contact the Coordinator, Selena Simons at 294-5871 or email smsimons@gov.bm.