Top honour for having 400 kids
Foster parents Heather and James Tuhoro have welcomed over 400 children into their home over the years….and they have no trouble remembering every name. They were recognised in the New Year's Honours list, when they received the Queen's Service Medal for their big hearts and huge contribution to foster care.
"It's hard to describe, it's just amazing, it's humbling. We just love looking after the kids," says Heather. It's a passion recognised by Child, Youth and Family staff, who nominated them for the accolade.
The couple were already grandparents when they decided to begin foster caring. They remember the first little girl they took in 16 years ago, and still keep in touch with her. On Christmas day, they were visited by four of their former foster children.
"They keep us young," laughs James.
Although there are great challenges in taking care of children who have come from tough backgrounds, the rewards are even greater. "Seeing how they change for the better, watching them learn and grow, those are the rewards," says Heather.
Today they care for teenage boys, the hardest group of young people to place. James teaches them skills like driving and painting. He taught one young man the guitar, who then went on to become an accomplished composer.
This year, just like every year, the Tuhoros will be spending the summer camping with their foster boys. "It's just what families do, it gives them a sense of belonging. It's what my mum did with us, what we did with our children and now what we do with our foster children," says Heather.
[Story from Waikato Times and NZ Herald]
