Chris and Donna's story
Nine years ago Chris and Donna were enjoying life as a newly married couple and contemplating one day starting a family of their own.
It would be a few years before the first of their three children arrived, but that didn't stop them from sharing their home and opening their hearts to children in need of foster care.
"From very early on we felt a strong commitment to providing children who were experiencing a less fortunate upbringing with a safe and secure refuge," said Donna.
"Initially, we agreed to do the training, see how we felt and take tentative steps towards becoming foster parents. As we were both working full-time we started caring for children in need of weekend respite care."
Donna and Chris found foster caring so rewarding that they continued to provide respite as well as emergency care even when they started a family of their own. In particular, Chris and Donna are appreciative of the lessons and values foster care is teaching their own children, aged six, four and one.
"We believe it's important that our children grow up knowing that the world doesn't revolve around them and that there are people in need of care and we have a responsibility to help."
"We know that foster care makes the world of difference to these children and that it is vitally important that they have a safe, fun and happy place to be."
"For our family, foster care has been a very humbling experience and has bought so much joy to our lives."
"We recommend anyone who has a big heart and loves children to enquire about becoming a carer."