A KIND-HEARTED couple from Colchester helped three little boys experience the magic of Christmas for the first time after becoming their foster parents.
An amazing Colchester couple has spoken about the importance of instilling Christmas cheer in foster kids as Essex Council reveals hundreds of children went into care last year.
Sheila and Paul, of Colchester, are foster carers who have worked with Essex Council for the last thirteen years and have cared for 38 children in total over the years.
It has been revealed by Essex Council that in 2022 more than 500 children went "into care” across the region, so the council is urging more individuals to step forward and help vulnerable children in need of a good home.
Sheila is very aware that the festive period can be a difficult and strange time for a lot of children at any age.
She said: “There are children of all ages in Essex who have never woken up to the magic of Christmas, don’t know what Christmas dinner is and think Father Christmas won’t come because they’re ‘too naughty’."
The couple currently foster three young boys, as well as being parents to their daughter Katie.
It was a complete shock to the couple when they discovered the boys didn’t believe in Father Christmas or weren’t festive due to never having experienced the annual holiday.
Sheila said: “When the boys first arrived with us three years ago, they didn’t believe in Father Christmas.
"They were told that they were ‘too naughty for Christmas presents’, which was heartbreaking to hear from a six-year-old.
"They had never experienced Christmas and didn’t even know what a cracker was.”
The couple then went on a mission to help bring festive cheer to the three boys they deeply care about.
They watched films, decorated every room In the house, and as an annual tradition, Paul dressed up as Father Christmas on Christmas eve, visiting friends’ and neighbours’ houses as well.
Once Christmas day had arrived, their foster children were overcome with joy, excitement, and started to believe.
Beverly Egan, cabinet member for children’s services and early years, is inspired by foster carers like Sheila and Paul, but hopes more people will help children in need.
She said: “If you could share your home and make a difference to a child’s life, we urge you to consider our variety of fostering opportunities.
"You can make such a big difference from as little as a weekend per month, including long-term, part-time and weekend care.”
This follows the announcement that Colchester Council is hosting Christmas party at Waldegraves Caravan Park on December 9 from 1pm till 4pm for children and their foster carers.
The children will enjoy the magic of Christmas as they will have the chance to meet the man himself, Father Christmas, and much more.
Now, Essex Council needs to recruit sixty more foster carers every year, and to find out more information head to essex.gov.uk/foster.
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