SOSCONNECTION2009 Issue #1 SOS Children’s Village British Columbia KIDS AT SOS BC Fly to the North Pole to Find Santa Give Kids a Chance to Dream dorable eyes wide open, a n August 28, 1963 an amazing speech known as “I have a Dream”, tiny giggle and then a hushed, was spoken with grace and power by Martin Luther King, in the “Santa” . the joy and wonder of the youngest participant on midst of a time of tremendous and dangerous turbulence. As we Athe “Flight in Search of Santa” was all know, the speech has become one of the most well known and plain to see. Made possible by Air loved in our time. Its effects are lasting because it provides the assurance that O Transat and an invitation from Variety there is always hope, always the possibility of a just future, and, that indeed, Club, seven awe-struck kids from SOS a dream can come true. Children’s Village, the Director of the The legacy for children in foster care is reflected in statistics that have Village Corina Carroll, Philanthropist highlighted the fact that all too many of these children have lost too much Joanne Griffiths, and a social worker and gained too little. In the middle of their turbulence they are looking for from VACFSS, flew high with anticipation adults who they can trust with their dreams. in search of Santa. Children living in foster care, by definition, undergo life-shattering In the midst of a winter storm we upheaval. Amongst foster children and youth there are higher rates of ventured to the airport safe and sound in physical health problems, depression, suicide, mental health issues and our limo van. History was in the making learning disabilities. And yet, children who have lived in foster care can for these kids, and nothing could daunt demonstrate some of the most amazing gifts, talents and resilience which all them!! The excitement created a constant too often go unnoticed. They deserve a chance to dream. hum of conversation and questions. At SOS BC the Village model of care isn’t just about well-appointed homes Navigating Vancouver International on 2.5 acres; it is about creating a circle of healing around children who are in Airport with seven young children from the turbulence, so that they can feel that they belong and are not alone. It’s about SOS BC Village, could not be more fun! community within community creating stability and continuity. It is about We were greeted by the friendly an interdependency that generates healthy relationships, peer friendships, Air Transat check-in staff as well as and enriching experiences that create positive memories and solid skills. “Airnest”, the airline’s mascot, who continued on page 7 continued on page 3 What we do: We build families for children in foster care, we help them shape their own futures and we share in the development of their communities. The SOS Village Garden of Hope A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Donors True Lavender $1,000 to $4,999 Missler • Daniel Ilich • North Delta Rotary Benevolent BC Dogwood Bentall Real Estate Services LP • Commercial • I.O.O.F. Progress Lodge #81 • New Car $30,000 to $49,999 Drive Business Society • David Head • Thomas Dealers Assn of BC • Gilles & Lois Bouchard Telus Community Board • Diamond Foundation McRae • John Knechtel • Lynn Valley Lions • Christine Huber • Margot Wawra • Chris & • Estate of Max & Lana Davolt • Loyal Protestant Club • Gastone & Katharina Baldazzi • Art Cindy Bouchard • Jo Tonita • Art & Marguerite Association • Canwest Global Foundation Village Happenings Dodd • Helijet International Incorporated • Valiquette • Devine Elden • CKNW Orphan’s Fund • Face the World SOS Children’s Village BC Optirex Lab Service • Fairholm & Company Foundation • Variety - The Childrens Charity • Parish of St. Philips • Nellie Nowak • Vince Sustaining Daisy $5,000 to $9,999 Majestic Cedar $50,000 to $99,999 OUR MISSION: To improve the Aft er all the excitement, everyone & Ena Edwards • Fern Finn • Dick & Eleanor Kaatza Foundation • Hamber Foundation • The Edith Lando Foundation • Pacifi c Friends of Hamilton • Jim & Heidi Bromley • Frank & Zacks Family Charitable Foundation • Marie quality of life for BC children lined up for some fantastic food Children • Fisher Foundation • Foresters • Helga Posch • Surrey Golf Course • Stella Ternes • Klaus and Hideko Kittel • Paul and John Hardie Mitchell Family Foundation • and youth in need supplied by our friends, Jaylene Longstaff • Holland America • Holy Trinity Sally Bouchard • Darlene & David Straarup • McNeil with daughter Jessica, son John Envision Financial Admin. Centre • Milan & Church - Anglican Women • Kal Tire Head Vern Haubrich • RBC - Surrey Region • Air Maureen Ilich Foundation • HSBC - Futures and sister Jana Herauf from the Boot Offi ce • Global Collective Design Inc • Alfred Canada - Head Offi ce First Program www.sosbc.org and Sombrero in Ladner, BC. Special Wirth • Mark & Julie Krehel • Newton Lions Enduring Rose $10,000 to $29,999 Legacy Maple $100,000 to $999,999 thanks go out to those folks who not Club • Susan & Randy Thomas • LUSH Fresh Surrey Foundation • Grouse Mountain Resorts PO Box 102, 10688 - King George Highway Anonymous • Estate of Barbara Landauer only served up some great grub, but Handmade Cosmetics • Husky Energy Inc. • Megahair Family • Reinhart & Elvira Aulinger Surrey, BC V3T 4W4 S.C. Johnson & Son Ltd • BC Ferries • Aptech • Treasure Cottage Steveston • Envision had a great time doing it! • The Chris Spencer Foundation • Serena Charitable Foundation • BC Gaming • Treasure Tel: 604.582.2990 Concepts Ltd • Costco Wholesale Canada Fashions • Treegroup Developments Corp t was “STANDING ROOM And the giving just kept on coming! Inc. • Home Depot - Head Offi ce • Point Cottage Kerrisdale • Treasure Cottage North . Fax: 604.582.2110 • McLean Foundation • London Drugs Vancouver . ONLY” for the children’s Th anks to In-Joy Wellness Group Grey Secondary School • Bob & Judy Rieder Foundation • RE/MAX - Lower Mainland 22 E-mail: offi [email protected] 3 . Christmas party at the Village, and HSBC, the families were able to • Deborrah & Jack Munro • Emma Coleman Group Advertising Committee • ING Canada . with a full and lively turnout. In celebrate a bighearted Christmas, • Bjorn & Lori Hareid • I. MacDonald • Helen Foundation • F.K. Morrow Foundation • Publications Mail Agreement Grimmett • Peter Koelbleitner • Art & Jackie attendance was the man himself, Santa, which, without the generosity of our Anonymous • RBC Charitable Foundation #40034052 I who showed grace and staying power community supporters, would have SOS Connection with over 25 children and 5 foster moms been diffi cult with the current economy. continued sitting on his lap to let him know what For the younger children, it was a time North Pole Editor Cary Gaymond they were hoping to fi nd under the tree to wonder at the magic of the season, was more than happy to share hugs never had an opportunity like this before. them was not a foster child, not a child all around. The kids were oblivious to And then . the BIG moment facing adversity, not a child who stood Design & Layout Big Wave Design on Christmas morning. Goodie bags and and for the older ones, a time to wonder Christmas gift s were handed out by one at the kindness of strangers. anything else, relishing the attention arrived . feeling a BUMP on the out because of their differences; each SOS Children’s Village is a of Santa’s helpers, who made sure that Th e season off ered its share of the six-foot-tall blue mascot was plane, everyone looked eagerly at and every one of them was a fortunate worldwide humanitarian each child left with something special. challenges, with lots of snow, ice and paying them. each other . SANTA! He had come! child having an extraordinary experience! organization committed to Th anks Emily! cold weather, but the generosity of the At the gate, we enjoyed a carpet picnic Joined by Mrs Claus, he made his way And it didn’t end there . a limo helping over 80,000 children. community warmed the hearts of all. while we waited patiently for boarding . through the plane, stopping to say ride home was the icing on the cake. the anticipation of our adventure building hello to each and every child on board, With kids laughing and re-living their in all of us! All of the kids were curious who was also given a stocking of gifts! experience, we pulled back into the about what made them so special, so As is the case with any celebrity, he Village, every one with a belly full of Friends of SOS Childrens Village Richmond: 5-10K Run; 1K Walk unique that they should be chosen for stopped for pictures and hugs before Christmas Spirit and a story to tell at The SOS Childrens Village Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 30th this adventure of a lifetime. he made his way back to the cockpit. school the next day! Amazing moments at the exciting Richmond Olympic Oval Plaza. This by-donation event will Finally the time had come to board Santa would stay on board while that will never be forgotten. Thank you be a great corporate team-builder and a fun family day at the height of the the plane. We took our First Class seats Rudolf and his sleigh made their way Santa, Air Transat, and Variety Club for spring season. Expect celebrities, food and refreshment, and soon sang along to Christmas to the airport to wait. making it happen. entertainment, silent auction and prizes. Watch for Karaoke. The Flight Attendants fed our When I looked around, all I could Corina Carroll, Director event details at www.sosbc.org and pre-register excitement with their humorous banter, see were candy wrappers, huge smiles, Children’s Village and at www.sosrun.ca.