This Is From The Facebook Page Of The City Of Burlington, Ontario - We Should All Take Heed

February 20th is Family Day in Ontario—a time for most people to take advantage of a statutory holiday to have fun and enjoy activities with their family and loved ones. Today’s family comes in many forms — single-parent, two-parent, foster, adoptive, same-sex, heterosexual and all colours, shapes and sizes.

This Family Day, don’t forget to take a moment and think about those who don’t have family with whom to share this celebration. In Halton, there are approximately 173 children and youth in living in care — 129 of them are over the age of 13. Youth on independent living receive a fixed income of $900 per month. The majority are going to school, often working part-time jobs to supplement their income and trying to cope with everyday life. Issues of poverty are very real for them, especially considering 38.8% of renters in Halton Region pay more than 30% of their household income on shelter. Some have other hardships such as disabilities, mental health and addiction issues — either their own, or members of their family. Holidays can be particularly painful for those who aren’t connected.

This Family Day, take a moment to think about those who don’t have family and reach out.There are many ways you can be of assistance — volunteer, mentor, foster, adopt or make a donation through the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton. These are the children and youth of the Halton Children’s Aid Society and your community. Think about them this Family Day.

For more information on the Halton CAS or the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton, go to www.haltoncas.ca.