SOSCONNECTION2009 Issue #1 SOS Children’s Village

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 theA “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 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 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 • 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. Collect pledges over the while showing attention to each of the and blue teeth from the blue ring pops! Support Services coming weeks and join us at the Oval Plaza for kids, fueling their feeling of being extra Every single child was beaming, enough a great outing. special. For most of the children, it was to give Rudolf a run for his money! For their fi rst time on an airplane, having that moment, each and every one of Thank you to the following companies that donated an item for the silent or live auctions held at the Parade of Trees Gala presented by which THANK YOU! raised over $14,000. AAA Horse and Carriage, Arts Club Theatre, Bard-on-the- Beach, BCAA, BC Lions, Bel Art Gallery, Best Western Norgate Inn, Best Western Richmond Inn, Big Bus, Boston th , Presentation House Theatre, Cannery Seafood 6 Annual Restaurant, Ceili’s, Cin Cin, Coast Capital Savings, Costco Warehouse Vancouver, Costco Warehouse , Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre, Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden Society, East India Carpets, Electronic Arts, Elephant and Castle Food & Wine Event Group, Fairmont Royal York, Firehall Arts Centre, Fish House in Stanley Park, Foster Walker Gifts, Furry Creek Golf and JUNE 18, 2009 AT EAGLEQUEST COYOTE CREEK GOLF COURSE Country Club, Grand Ballroom, Griffi n Jewellery, Grouse Mountain, Harbour Cruises, HR MacMillan Space Centre, Hyatt Regency Vancouver, Innovative Fitness Consultants, Kettle of Fish, LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, M & M Meat Shops, Marriott Residence Inn Vancouver, Nando’s Chicken, , Old Spaghetti Factory, Pacifi c Coach Lines, Pacifi c National Exhibition, Palladio Jewellers, Pizza, Park N’ Fly, Playhouse, Provence Marinaside, Red Robin, RE/ MAX, Rosedale on Robson Hotel, Science World, Smell this Aromatherapy, Sooke Harbour House Hotel, Spa Utopia, lease join us on Thursday June 18th, 2009 from The Spring Trip Lottery will feature a grand prize Staples, Stong’s, Sutton Place Hotel, Tim Hortons, Urban 6-10pm at Eaglequest Coyote Creek Golf Course in of a trip for two to anywhere that Westjet has Fare, , Vancouver Canadians, Vancouver Surrey for an amazing night of local and international a scheduled fl ight to in worth Canucks, Vancouver Giants, Vancouver Symphony, wines featuring an exquisite collection of Shirazes, $4,604. The other grand prize is a trip for two Vancouver Trolley Company, Vancouver Whitecaps, Via Rail Chardonnays,P Pinot Gris and Merlots. Gourmet food from to Victoria on Helijet. Tickets are $20 each or and Whole Being Yoga Company. . local restaurants and artisan food merchants will tantalize three for $50. . 4. your taste buds. 5. Confi rmed exhibitors include: Artisan Wine Group, Cakes on “SOS Children's Village BC builds families for children Demand, Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, Freehouse in foster care, helps them shape their own futures and Wines, Gone Crackers, Liberty Wine Merchants, Momma shares in the development of their communities.” SOS Children’s Village Nellie’s Salsa, Mozart Bakery, Neptune Foods, Peacock British Columbia and Martin, Sun Rich Foods, The Boot and Sombrero, The For more information or to order your tickets Seasonal Experience, Whistler Water and WineQuest Wine please contact: Ryan Butt & Spirit Brokers. Manager of Corporate Relations and Events Phone: 604 582-2990 ext. 228 INVEST IN The night will also include entertainment, 50 lot silent Email: [email protected] auction and a raffl e. Highlights of the silent auction are: Order your tickets online at www.sosbc.org pearl necklace from the Gold Room, snow shoe fondue TOMORROW’S trip for 4 from Grouse Mountain, night at Four Seasons Vancouver, 4 ski passes from , seasons pass to CHILDREN Hemlock Resort, $200 Spa Utopia gift card, trip for 2 to Victoria from Pacifi c Coach Lines, Jazz Brunch for 4 from DID YOU KNOW that when Sutton Place Hotel, tickets to: Harbour Cruises, Vancouver you donate listed stocks Aquarium, Vancouver Canadians, Vancouver Symphony and securities to a charity Orchestra & the Whitecaps and a 2 night stay at the Tinhorn you pay NO TAX on your Creek Vineyards’ guesthouse in Oliver worth $700. Capital Gains? Call the Director of Philanthropy Tickets for the night are $60 each or $100 for the special VIP for more information about tickets which include access to the VIP Lounge presented FREE Legacy Planning by Treegroup Developments Corporation which features Workshops in your area exclusive wine and gourmet food tastings along with a 604 582 2990 fabulous Whitecaps gift bag featuring over $100 worth of gifts including: a day of Park N’ Fly parking, a bottle of Nando’s Peri Peri sauce and a delicious treat from Mozart Bakery. 604.582.2990 www.sosbc.org A Chance to Dream continued HELP WANTED are going through. Children in foster By investing pro-actively in care are oft en targeted in a neighbor- o you work for an organization “There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but hood, a group home, or school. Many that supports volunteerism? a range of social supports times they feel that the home they are in Are you open to learning new only a few will catch your heart. Pursue these.” Michael Nolan for children in foster care, is not “their” home and that they’ll never skills? Ready to share your and your efforts as part of our volunteer Donations are graciously accepted fi t in, so they quit trying. At the Village Dtalent with others? Are you looking team will allow you to feel true joy! at the rear of each building during we can strengthen their though, it is a priority that the kids feel for ways to make a difference in your In order to continue our programs business hours: resilience and ability to avoid community? Then read on… at SOS BC, we need your help. To that they have value and are important. We welcome individuals and fi nd out more about our volunteer Kerrisdale 2319 West 41st Avenue, the justice system. Th ere is an extended family atmosphere corporate teams that are ready to dig opportunities, visit our website at www. 264.0880, 10am - 6pm and the kids discover their connections in and make a difference. At SOS BC, sosbc.org/volunteers or contact Susan North Vancouver 121 Lonsdale as they play and do things together. we offer volunteers a variety of ways Thomas at 604.582.2990 Ext 226 to Avenue, 604.924.3833, 10am - 6pm Children and youth in foster care are to shine…our volunteer program not fi nd out how you can make a difference Steveston 3800 Moncton Street, at a higher risk of a future in jail than only changes a child’s life, but it also in the life of a child living in foster care! 604.274.8866, Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm, their peers. By investing pro-actively in changes the life of our volunteers. This One of the most important ways Sun 11am - 3pm a range of social supports for children rewarding experience allows volunteers that we raise funds at SOS….our in foster care, we can strengthen their to apply their diverse talents in several Treasure Cottage Thrift Stores. We are For more information on Treasure resilience and ability to avoid the ways, meet new people and experience in dire need of gently-used treasures Cottage, contact the Manager of your justice system. Did you know, that the fresh challenges. As a volunteer, your including clothing and accessories, local store. cost of one youth in the custody of a time and creative ideas are invaluable housewares, books, cds and furniture. jail cell for one year is approximately $215,000?* Th ere are too many kids in foster care who have untapped potential INTRODUCING . . . Our therapy program isn’t just about encourage them to follow their dreams. and deserve to have a future that is far oining the SOSBC team was the right technique; it’s about genuinely Th ey need to just be kids, with friends better than their past. We are launching a decision that I will always giving from the heart and listening to the and adults who are consistent in their our “Give Kids A Chance to Dream be proud of. To make it even sadness, seeing and building strengths, lives and committed to their futures. Campaign”. Th is is your opportunity to . better, I have the opportunity to ultimately encouraging kids to believe Th ey deserve experiences which are fun contribute to changing the trajectory for . 6 7 . Jsupervise an incredible SOS Family in themselves and dream. We involve and can make them smile. a child in foster care. . Support Worker, Josephine Denis, who kids with literacy development because Corina Carroll is our new Director By sponsoring a day, a week, month provides support to MCFD caregivers we know that it grounds them in skills of the SOS BC Village and Support or year of SOS BC services for a child in the Fraser Region. that are critically necessary for them to Services. Corina’s career has spanned the in foster care, you are investing for Josephine seems to see each succeed in their future. Nearly 70% of past 13 years working with some of the positive returns. By sponsoring the Give day as another chance to make a children in foster care have educational most diffi cult and traumatized children Kids a Chance to Dream Campaign difference in the lives of children special needs in contrast to the 15.5% of in the foster system. She has known a lot you enable SOS Children’s Village to and families. She has optimism that the general youth population.* Investing of children who stopped dreaming. help children and youth in foster care is grounded in reality and graces in their literacy skills improves their Corina believes that the SOS BC improve their life opportunities so that us all with her peaceful demeanor Contact Store Manager educational outcomes. Village model is the most unique and they can have a pro-social and positive and sense of humor. Josephine Kerrisdale: 2319 West 41st Avenue, 264.0880 Providing art, culture and recreational ideal. As a realist, Corina understands future. Th at impacts everyone… brings her experience to everything North Vancouver: 121 Lonsdale Avenue, 604.924.3833 opportunities creates a sense of mastery, that the Village model is not necessarily she does, infusing her knowledge Steveston: 3800 Moncton Street, 604.274.8866 Sponsor SOS services so kids can dream. with empathy, graciously accepting connection and belonging. going to work for every foster parent or her role as our cultural touchstone, Th e SOS Children’s Village model foster child. However, it is ideal in the A YEAR in the life of a child $3,600 offering her insights and suggestions Husky and Mohawk Cards is all about removing the stigma sense that it provides the extras that A MONTH in the life of a child $300 into Aboriginal ways. She supports from foster care, and ensuring that these kids need, generates a sense of We have entered into an exciting new corporate A WEEK in the life of a child $70 caregivers in bringing harmony to little by little, dreams can happen for community and social connectedness partnership with Husky and Mohawk. SOS Children’s A DAY in the life of a child $10 their homes through cultural practices children who can no longer live with naturally, and above all, consistently Village BC has enrolled in their Community Rebate and with a voice of experience as she their biological families. We work builds a sense of belonging. You can help a child who has lost Program that donates to us a rebate of 2% on all gas herself was a foster parent. hard through the maze of a issues and “Usually, natural support systems can more than you can imagine, gain the and other purchases that you make at Husky and Mohawk It is such an honour to work with problems that are so typical to the foster be diffi cult for foster parents to develop; Stations. There is no cost to either our organization or to you. confi dence and trust to succeed…they Josephine and to introduce her to all care system, to somehow keep things they oft en fi nd themselves in situations If you have any questions about this program or to request cards please are worth it…they are our future! of you. simple: kids need to feel as though they that are not readily understood by call or email me. *Source: Kids Crime and Care belong to someone, somewhere. Th ey people around them, so isolation can Corina Carroll Ryan Butt, Manager of Corporate Relations and Events Joint Report by the Rep for Children and Youth need a circle of people around them frequently occur. In the Village they are and the BC Provincial Health Offi cer Director, Children's Village Phone: 604 582-2990 ext. 228 Email: [email protected] who believe in them, cheer them on, and not alone and we understand what they February 23, 2009 and Support Services SOS Children’s Village British Columbia

Publications Mail Agreement #40034052 Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: PO Box 102, 10688 King George Hwy, Surrey, BC V3T 4W4 E-mail: offi [email protected]

SOS Children’s Village BC is Happy to Announce Generous Grant Support from

Choose SOS Childrens Village BC as your charity of choice. Simply check other and write our charity name with our CRA # BN12993-5011 RR0001 and/or promote SOS Childrens Village BC throughout your organization as an option to employees.

Mark your calendars! $5 from every Ib. sold goes to 6th Annual Food and Wine Fest supporting SOS Children’s Village BC on June 18th at Eaglequest To order, Call 604.582.2990 Coyote Creek Golf Course or visit www.sosbc.org to download an order form www.sosbc.org

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sosnewsspring09 SOS Children’s Village BC Canadian Charitable Registration Fostering the future with your help today BN # 12993-5011 RR0001 will bring hope and stability to foster children whose lives will be forever changed. MONTHLY GIVING CLUB Yes, I would like to belong to the SOS Village Rose Club monthly giving program. I would like to contribute: $15 or other $ ______per month starting in ______(specify month) CREDIT CARD INFORMATION SOS CHILDREN’S VILLAGE BC DONATION FORM Card holder name______Card number ______You can help rebuild children’s lives . . . Expiry ______whether you choose to make a donation, provide Signature ______volunteer service or create community awareness. You can make a difference in a child’s life. YES, I /we want to volunteer YES, please send info about leaving a gift to SOS in my will Every donation is important to us. YES, I/we have included SOS in my will Yes, I would like to help a child today: Please make cheques payable to: $50 $35 $25 other $ ______SOS Children’s Village BC I would like to pay by: Cheque VISA MasterCard PO Box 102, 10688 King George Hwy, (please fi ll out credit card information in next column) Surrey, BC V3T 4W4 Name ______Address ______Please send my SOS Connection by e-mail City ______E-mail address: ______Postal Code ______Thank you for your generosity Phone ______Fax ______For more information call us at 604-582.2990