April 15-21, 2012 is National Volunteer Week and The CAS of Haldimand and Norfolk is celebrating volunteers in child welfare.  The work of volunteer community members is essential and we pay tribute to them for donating their time and energy.  Volunteer roles include drivers, special friends, administrative support, board of directors, etc.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Brenda Hunt, Volunteer Coordinator at 1-888-227-5437, ext. 298 for more information.

Let’s celebrate Social Work Week — March 5-9, 2012.   The Ontario Association of Social Workers theme this year is: “Social Workers Help People Get Back on Track”.  This theme was selected to highlight the significant role that social workers play in helping people deal with day-to-day problems and overcome barriers that prevent them from leading meaningful and productive lives. Social workers help people of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds to create better lives for themselves and their families.

Generous donation of “Cuddle Blankets and Quilts” from the Norfolk County Agricultural Society.  Shown in picture is Sharon Petherham from the Agricultural Society along with Brenda Hunt of the CAS accepting the donation.

Laurie Shoff and Sharon Vanderweide from Dunnville Knitting Friends in Dunnville shown giving a gracious donation of knitted blankets, hats, mittens and scarves.    Every month they drop off a wonderful donation for the Children’s Aid Society of Haldimand and Norfolk.

Family Day is Monday, February 20th.  The Society encourages all families to spend the day enjoying time together.

As we celebrate Family Day, we are reminded of our urgent need for loving foster families for children and youth who need them.

Children come into foster care for protection from abuse or neglect, and due to difficult family circumstances.  These children and youth come from varied backgrounds, but each one needs a caring family.

We need families for children of all ages, from infancy to 18 years of age.   If you would like to help a child or youth in our community and are interested in becoming a foster parent, please contact the Children’s Aid Society at 1-888-227-5437.

Wal-Mart of Simcoe along with gracious community donations from their customers have donated a large amount of toys and gifts cards to be used for families at Christmas.  In the photo is the organizer Kathy, along with Peter and Archie.