At Red Badge, we often talk about the dedication and resilience of our staff. Diane Gordon, who has been with us for just 18 months, exemplifies these qualities not only in her role in control, managing CCTV for our events in Hamilton, but also in her extraordinary life as a foster parent. For nearly 20 years, Diane and her husband John have opened their heart and home to over 200 foster children, providing care, stability, and love to those who need it most.
Diane’s journey into fostering began as an act of community service, inspired by a friend. With four biological children of her own, she initially focused on caring for newborns and emergency placements. “Our children were just babies themselves when we started,” she recalls. “We began with emergency placements—newborns that were going up for adoption or needed immediate care.”
As her own children grew, so did the age range of the foster children she cared for. From emergency and respite care to more long-term arrangements, Diane and John’s home, affectionately known as the “madhouse,” has seen countless children come and go, each leaving an indelible mark on her family.
Diane’s ability to juggle the demands of fostering with her work at Red Badge is nothing short of remarkable. “My van’s done 586,000 kilometres from all the school runs and activities,” she laughs. “But Becky and the Hamilton team are incredibly supportive, tweaking my roster to fit around my commitments. She gets us.”
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of fostering for Diane has been managing the diverse needs of the children. “We have an eight-year-old with severe behavioural issues who has been with us for four years. Balancing his needs with those of the other children can be tough, but it’s worth it.” Diane’s household currently includes seven children, a mix of biological and foster kids, though the number can change with the ebb and flow of respite care.
The impact of fostering extends beyond Diane to her biological children, who have grown up with a deep sense of empathy and acceptance. “It’s given my kids maturity beyond their years. They’ve learned to be kind and inclusive, traits that are reflected in their school reports and interactions with others.”
For those considering fostering, Diane’s advice is straightforward: “Do it. It’s incredibly rewarding. You don’t have to take on a troubled teenager right away. Start small, maybe with weekend care for younger children. There’s a huge need, and if you have room in your heart, home, and car, you can make a difference.”
The most rewarding part of Diane’s fostering journey has been staying in touch with the children who have moved on. “We had twins who came to us as preemies and stayed for four months before going to a relative. We still see them now—they just turned 10 and invited us to their birthday. It’s heartwarming to see how much they’ve grown and thrived.”
Diane’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and resilience. Her unwavering commitment to fostering has not only transformed the lives of countless children but also enriched her own family, creating a legacy of love and care that will resonate for generations.
Diane, your dedication and compassion make us proud to have you in the Red Badge family. We are greatly inspired by your incredible journey.