Events in Northern Ireland

If you require any further information or wish to take part in any of the following activities, please contact Christina at the Fostering Network on (028) 90705056 or email christina.donnelly@fostering.net.

Sporting challenges

Fundraising Events - Europa abseil - Saturday 21 June 2008

Read how the event went.

Rathlin Island’s Running Event - Saturday 30 August 2008

Rathlin Run has been going for 6 years and the full 10.8 mile road and cross-country race is certainly a challenge for even the fittest of runners.

This year the Belfast Activity Centre have introduced a fun run of approximately 3.5 miles which combines the best of Rathlin scenery and the unique nature of an island race with a shorter and flatter course. Rathlin, which lies 6 miles off the coast of Ballycastle, represents a variety of topography. The majority of the fun run is on a tarmac road but there is a short section about halfway into the race that is on a gravel track. Regular water stops are provided and a full first aid team is on hand to offer assistance if required.

Clean up, clear out and cash in

The Fostering Network Staff recently raised £117.50 through the collection of old clothes for recycling.

All staff were delighted with the results - a clean house, collection of old clothes and money raised!

You too can get involved by contacting Christina Donnelly (028) 90 705 056

Why not arrange for your local Church, Club or Community Group to collect all old clothes?

This is a great way of raising money and keeping your home clean.

Foster families brave rain to enjoy fun day picnic in the park

Foster carers, their families and friends braved the weekend’s torrential rain to gather for a fun day and picnic, organised by leading charity the Fostering Network, in Belfast's Sir Thomas and Lady Dickenson Park on 16 August.

Attendees were treated to a host of entertainment and activities, including stilt walkers, balloon artists, a coconut shy, bouncy castle and a football competition – although these were moved inside owing to the wet weather.

Director of the Fostering Network Northern Ireland Kate Lewis, said: "Foster carers are all too used to dealing with the many challenges life throws at them, so they weren’t deterred by a bit of rain! The show went on, including the barbeque, although we did move inside to enjoy most of the activities in the dry.

"Foster carers are right now giving better life opportunities to hundreds of children and young people across the country. The money raised by the day will go straight to helping them foster brighter futures for some of our most vulnerable children."

Fostering Achievement Summer Schemes 2008

This summer the Fostering Achievement team has successfully run summer schemes for 120 children across 12 schools in Northern Ireland

Children attended the scheme for a one week period, during which they developed their numeracy and literacy skills through fun computer activities, sport and games, as well as participating in an excursion and making more friends.

The leaders of all schemes would like to thank the children and carers for their participation and look forward to the summer schemes in 2009.