Margaret and Geoff's story
The thought of children in need of a home for Christmas was enough for Margaret and her daughter Larni to enquire about becoming foster carers.
"Larni and I were sitting in the car one Christmas when a radio advertisement for foster care came on. When Larni heard the ad, she encouraged us to consider becoming foster parents," said Margaret.
Since that Christmas, seven years have passed and Margaret with her husband Geoff have provided respite and emergency care to more than 30 children.
According to Geoff, foster care is one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do.
"Foster care has enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. Even if the children are only with us for a short time we feel strongly that we are giving them a chance at a different life."
"Some of these children have had a really difficult and sad start in life. But through foster care, we are able to help these kids make small steps towards recapturing some sense of childhood in a secure and safe home," said Geoff.
"It's quite often the small things that warm our hearts, like the delight in their eyes when we spend time playing in the garden, reading books or sitting down together for a meal," said Margaret.
"Our own two children Larni and Lucas have both been very hands on with the children and it has been extremely rewarding to watch them grow into caring and socially responsible adults."
"We are extremely proud of the positive impact fostering has had on their lives. In fact, Larni has since gone on to open her own home and heart to children in need."
"We feel very passionately that if you have the time, an open heart and the desire to help children in need you'll never regret making that first call to the Foster Care Hotline."