Give a child love

I would like to say a heartfelt well done and thank you to St Patrick's Home for boys. I am a foster carer to two siblings. We were invited to St Patrick's as they had a party for the resident boys for which they also invited their siblings.

The carers, the resident social workers, the Salesian Brothers and priests, social workers from Appogg, students, helpers and friends, were also invited.

We had such a great time. I was so happy to see so many smiling faces. The children in my care loved every minute as I am sure all the other children did, and it was hard to tell them we had to leave.

It is such a great idea to invite their siblings as unfortunately many of these children meet so little during the year and it is such a heartache to see them living apart.

We need so many more families who are ready to meet the challenge of foster care. We really should change the lyrics to the song Let them know it's Christmas to Let them know what a family is - let these children know how great it is to love and be loved in return forever for being you. Let them know there is a family ready to support their every step as they are growing up.

Come on, wake up to the emotional suffering these children have to experience. There is a waiting list of about 50 children who have said they would love to have a family to take care of them. Open those doors and let them walk into your life as if they were your own. They are great children and have such great potential.

Get to know them and, like our family, you will love them. The good people who sponsored the food - which was delicious - as well as the other benefactors who were discreetly present for the evening, also deserve a mention. Well done to all.