This Mother’s Day, many children around the world may be looking to Brampton and feeling thankful to a foster mother they have never met. And if the day is celebrated in other countries, Brampton resident, Shirley Nash might receive more than one Mother’s Day card— in fact, she could expect more than 100.
Since 1986, the Brampton resident along with her late husband John, has sponsored more than 100 children in countries all over the world through Christian Childrens’ Fund. The selfless couple who have three children of their own, felt that it was their duty to help those in other countries who were less fortunate than themselves.
“We saw the need and we enjoyed knowing that we were helping children go to school,” said Nash. “Some of them were in such need that we really wanted to help. And we always felt that we should help people in other countries.”
The money donated each month helped the children go to school and provided basic life provisions for the families.
But it was the time and effort spent into making the children feel special that helped create a bond between the Nash’s and the children. Every child received a birthday card and a Christmas card.
“I had all of their birthdays written in a book and at the beginning of every month, I would check to see whose birthday it was and write out the cards,” explained Nash.
Sometimes, the children would receive a small gift of money in honour of their birthdays and Nash recalls how far...