Unsung Heroes: One-person family gives kids chance

Chris Kelly says a foster parent's role is to give children a sense of belonging. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Chris Kelly has been a dad, mum, uncle and aunt to children all over New Zealand for 20 years.

Living in Papatoetoe in South Auckland, the 50-year-old has been an important figure in up to 50 children's lives, acting as a caregiver for youngsters placed in foster care.

Mr Kelly says an "incredibly happy" childhood inspired him to put his hand up to be a foster parent, after 20 years in the Air Force.

"My upbringing was really good - with family, extended family, lots of happy birthdays and nice Christmases.

"I just wanted to give them a chance to have the same."

Mr Kelly, who is now taking care of nine children, says there are many perks in being a foster parent.

But there are also sensitive issues which many people often take for granted, but which he says have a big effect on children.

"There's a lot of pressure sometimes. Kids will go to school and be asked to write a family tree or a Mother's Day card - but some kids aren't allowed to see their mums.

"A lot of the time it's answering questions like: 'Why me?"'

Mr Kelly was also instrumental in the founding of a support group for caregivers, dubbed the South Auckland Caregivers Association.

The group gives support to caregivers all over the South Auckland region, including Otahuhu, Mangere, Papatoetoe, as well as those in the Bombay area just outside the South Auckland district.

Tracie Shipton, who is the director of the Dingwall Trust, which covers Mr Kelly's foster home, nominated him as an unsung hero.

She says he is a superb carer, advocate and supporter of young people in care. "His name is quoted so often from the voices of the children who felt they were saved through his care."

Having a genuine desire to care for children and making a real difference in their lives is what makes a good caregiver, Mr Kelly says.

"Your role is about giving them a home and a sense of belonging. We have training in this but it's in your heart - that's how you know you're doing this for the right reasons.

"When you're putting the kids to bed and they thank you for the lovely day they've had - that's the thanks right there."

* Nominations for unsung heroes have closed