Launched in 2013, the Ted and Loretta Rogers Foster Care Comfort Kit Program, through the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, aims to significantly improve the experience of coming into foster care, kinship care, or customary care for children and youth across Canada.

In partnership with over 20 child welfare agencies nationwide, this program provides backpacks stuffed with items and resources that bring comfort, well-being, safety, and a sense of security to young people struggling to cope with an overwhelming period of their lives.

We received funding and a shipment of backpacks to distribute to the youth in care at Ranch Ehrlo. The backpacks included a blanket, a teddy bear, a journal/sketchbook with pens and pencils, a Carhartt toque, fidgets, toys, lotions, deodorant etc., earphones, candy, and treats. The youth who received a backpack in the past received a fanny pack with several items along with a gift card to Walmart for them to use as they wish.

All the southern programs were included, and the Emergency Receiving Programs will receive a backpack in the coming weeks as well.

In addition, Walmart gift cards were distributed to the families in the Family Treatment Program, providing the families an opportunity to purchase clothing and school supplies at the beginning of the school year.

Our next shipment of back packs will be distributed to the northern programs once again and the Supported Living Program participants will receive gift cards.