North East Lincolnshire Council’s fostering team, alongside dedicated local foster carers, will be swapping land for water this summer as they take part in Grimsby’s first-ever Dragon Boat Race.
The event, organised by Grimsby Rotary, will take place on Sunday 12 July at Alexandra Dock and promises a day of community spirit, friendly competition and fundraising. The fostering team’s crew will be paddling with purpose, raising money for the charity Comfort Cases UK.
Comfort Cases provides essential items for children entering care, replacing bin bags and improvised belongings with backpacks filled with comfort and dignity. The charity was chosen by local foster carers who have seen first-hand the difference it makes to children facing difficult and often sudden transitions, through no fault of their own.
By taking part, the team hopes not only to support this vital cause but also to highlight the ongoing need for more foster carers in North East Lincolnshire. Events like the Dragon Boat Race offer a powerful platform to raise awareness of fostering and the rewarding role it plays in transforming young lives.
Deb Tilby, a foster carer for North East Lincolnshire Council and a member of the Fostering Committee said:
“When we were deciding which charity to support for this event, Comfort Cases was an obvious choice. I’ve seen first-hand how upsetting it can be for a child to arrive at an unfamiliar home with nothing of their own. Having something that’s theirs to keep can make such a real difference at a difficult time.
I know the fostering community will be doing everything they can to raise as much as possible for such an important cause.”
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services said:
“We are incredibly proud of our fostering team and carers for taking part in this fantastic community event.
Comfort Cases provides essential support to children at a particularly challenging point in their lives, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to their important work.
We hope this opportunity also helps to raise greater awareness of fostering and encourages more people locally to consider the positive impact they could make.”
Sarah Jacoby the CEO and founder of Comfort Cases said:
“We have built a special relationship with NE Lincs Fostering Team and we are delighted that their fostering community has selected Comfort Cases UK to benefit from their exciting fundraiser. I am passionate about ensuring that no child moves with their belongings in bin bags, and has some sense of control on those first scary nights in an unfamiliar environment. Every child deserves to feel value and dignity at every step of their journey throughout care. Good Luck to all the team at NELC!”
Residents are encouraged to come along, show their support and cheer on the team as they take to the water for a great cause.
To find out more about the Dragon Boat race see the attached leaflet produced by Grimsby Rotary.
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