“I’m not in a place to foster or adopt – how can I be involved in a World Without Orphans?” 

This is one of my favourite questions! As a single older person, I'm living proof that you most certainly can be involved, in fact, it is the best thing I ever did. This is a little bit of my story and why I often call myself a "Foster Aunty”: 

For years, I supported my sister and her husband in their long-term foster care.  I became deeply involved in the lives of their foster children, much like I was with my nieces and nephews. One of these foster girls would spend days and weekends at my place, relishing the focused attention from a trusted adult.  The zoo was one of our favourite places. 

Recently, I invited her back to the zoo.  During our visit, she asked, "Aunty, why didn't you have children of your own?"  I explained that as a single woman, I chose not to have biological children, but that I had many children I loved and cared for in different ways.  Her radiant response? "YES, and we were part of those children!" That moment reaffirmed the profound impact of my role as a "foster aunty"—a role that continues even now that the children have grown and moved on. 

Several weeks later, I shared my intention to write about our conversation. She was thrilled, reiterating how special those times at my home were, and how much she appreciated the focused attention.  It wasn't just beneficial for her; it provided respite for her foster parents, giving them more time to focus on their other children. 

My message is simple: Get involved! Become a foster aunt, uncle, grandparent, big brother, or big sister.  There are countless ways to make a difference in the life of a child growing up without parents. You could change a child's life, and discover incredible joy in the process. 

-Barbara Ruegger