SOS Children's Village BC moved closer to its goal of creating more long-term stable family homes for foster children in that province with a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the Envision House Project. The initiative will see new homes added to the SOS Village thanks to an initial $180,000. donation by the Envision Foundation. The Foundation has committed to raising additional funds which could total $500,000.
On hand to mark the occasion were, Sally O'Sullivan, Chair, Envision Foundation Board, Lorane Martin, First Vice-President, SOS Children's Village BC Board, Envision Financial CEO Gord Huston, and Shell Busey, Envision House Project Coordinator and popular radio and television host.
The Envision Foundation is a non-partisan, non-profit organization established in 1996 by the Board and Management of Envision Financial, BC's third largest credit union. The Foundation's endowment fund is entirely funded by the company and was created to help ensure and maintain healthy and vibrant communities where the credit union's members live and work.
"This is a truly important moment", explained Mr. Huston. "Stability is important for children, yet many foster children change homes a number of times. The SOS Children's Village BC makes a real difference in the lives of these children and we are proud to partner with them on the Envision House Project," he continued.
SOS Children's Village BC began operation in 2001 and currently has four homes on a 2.5-acre site in Surrey, BC. The Village is an important Canadian link in a network of SOS Children's Villages around the world. Each SOS home within the Village houses up to four children and includes a basement resource centre.
True to the international organization's commitment to ensuring long-term stable care, the children remain in the same home as they grow to maturity. Brothers and sisters are always kept together as a family. With an average intake of 90 reports of child abuse and 11 children taken into care daily, BC's child welfare system faces a mounting challenge to care for its children at risk. SOS Children's Village BC provides a unique approach to the current system of foster care.
Donations to help support the Envision House Project can be made through the Envision Financial web site at www.envisionfinancial.ca or, in person at any Envision branch. More information on the project can also be accessed by calling 604-599-0887 or by visiting the SOS Children's Village BC website.