In 2023, Foster Families NL launched the Backpacks of Comfort initiative, and the concept is simple, yet powerful!
With the generous support of businesses and the community, we fill backpacks with a variety of age appropriate comfort items – teddy bears, journals, blankets, nightlights, arts and crafts, fidgets, toothbrushes, and more!
FFNL distributes the backpacks to social workers throughout the province who then gift the backpacks to children and youth who are placed in foster care. The goal is to provide comfort to a child on what is likely a day filled with uncertainty.
Here is what one social worker shared after giving a child a backpack:
Just wanted to touch base and let you know the impact that one of the backpacks had on a youth that came into our care yesterday. Specifically the teddy bear. When he opened the bag and saw the teddy bear, he was thrilled and stated that he had wanted one previously for his birthday but didn’t get one. He then snuggled the teddy bear throughout the duration of our two hour drive to his new placement. Thank you so much for this. I figured it would be nice to reach out and let you know the positive impact that we are already seeing with the backpacks. I cannot thank you and the sponsors enough for doing this!!!
If you would like to be a part of this initiative, we would be thrilled to accept donations of new items, as well as monetary donations.
Items we are currently accepting:
- Gender neutral backpacks
- Teddy bears
- Blankets/Loveys
- Infant toys
- Board Books
- Journals and Gel Pens
- Play Doh
- Stress balls
- Toothbrushes and personal care items (no liquids or aerosols)
- Nightlights
- Stickers
- Crayons and Coloring Books
