A LOCAL woman attended the Australia Day ceremony at Adelaide’s Government House recently after nominating her friend for an annual award.
Winkie’s Pam Griffin nominated her friend, Dawn Jennings, of Adelaide, for the Outstanding Woman of the Year award for her inspirational role as a foster parent.
Ms Jennings was successful with the nomination and said she accepted the award on behalf of every foster parent worldwide.
Ms Griffin said Ms Jennings was deserving of the award.
“In 1991 I gave a reference for Dawn to become a foster mother,” she said.
“She has since recently retired from her role but when I asked how many babies she had fostered I was blown away.
“Dawn had fostered 91 children in almost 30 years as well as raised her own four children.
“Dawn is an inspiration to us all.”
Ms Griffin said Ms Jennings initially turned down the nomination.
“Dawn is so humble and she felt as if she did not deserve the nomination to begin with,” she said.
“Once I talked her into it, she agreed and told me she wouldn’t accept it for herself, she would accept it on behalf of every family who has fostered a child.”
Ms Griffin described foster parents as “inspiring”.
“There are wonderful people out there who foster children and never seem to get the praise and support they should get,” she said.
“I encourage more people to become foster parents because it is one of the most rewarding roles as you’re helping change a child’s life.”