Sifton donation supports Thames Valley Parenting Program

May 10, 2007

Sifton Donation Supports Parenting Programs
October 24, 2005

The Thames Valley Education Foundation hosted a reception this morning at Westminster Secondary School to formally announce the donation of $30,000 to Thames Valley’s "Baby Think It Over" program by the Sifton Family Foundation.

The Sifton donation will be used to purchase a collection of "RealCare Babies" that will be made available to secondary schools across the District. "RealCare Babies" provide a lifelike simulation of the parenting experience, requiring students to monitor their basic care, sleeping, and general happiness. The babies need feeding, burping, rocking, and diaper changing, as well as gentle handling. Monitors inside the doll keep track of the care it receives, and report on problem areas such as wrong positioning and shaking. The donation will fund a total of 60 dolls, two per secondary school.

"Thames Valley’s programs at all levels are enhanced by the resources and expertise that our community partners bring to the table," said Director of Education Bill Bryce. "The Sifton Family Foundation’s donation will provide a deeper learning experience for our students, which will have a far-reaching, positive influence on them when they make the decision to become parents."

The "Baby Think it Over" program teaches practical parenting skills to teenagers in Grade 11, and introduces them to the time and energy demands of parenthood. Monday’s reception featured a demonstration of the babies by Westminster parenting students.

The Thames Valley Education Foundation is a registered charitable organization affiliated with the Thames Valley District School Board. It was created in 2001 to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students across the District by attracting support from private donors and businesses that complements provincial funding and local school fundraising.