When you’re a child entering the child welfare system or a youth moving to independence after care, the world can seem like a scary place. For more than 50 years, those young people have found reassurance and emotional support during critical moments from Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation donor (CCAF) Dr. Hugh Siddall.
A Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) physician, Dr. Siddall was often the first person who welcomed children into the CCAS, ensuring that each one feels valued. Siddall has looked after group home admissions and the medical needs of thousands of CCAS kids over the years. Former care recipients recall that he always remembered their names and offered encouragement and assistance. Many said that Dr. Siddall was not only their physician, but also their protector and champion. He builds that legacy further by funding an ongoing CCAF scholarship. The Scholarships Program helps disadvantaged youth overcome barriers to education and pursue their academic and career goals.
Fostering hope with a scholarship legacy
“Dr. Siddall’s contributions reflect our Catholic values,” says Jim Gilligan, Executive Director of the CCAF who helps oversee the CCAF scholarship program. “He uses his vocation as a medical doctor to help children and has followed that up with generous scholarship donations since 2007.”
In addition to medical care and scholarship funds, Dr. Siddall helps children and youth understand and embrace their limitless potential. This is powerful medicine for kids who grew up without family stability, experienced neglect or abuse, and are at a higher risk of not graduating high school, mental health issues, substance use, homelessness and other negative outcomes.
Dr. Siddall’s message of strength, resilience and faith to CCAS youth
When Dr. Siddall spoke to CCAF scholarship winners at a past event, he summed up how he saw his role in child welfare: “Perhaps our biggest job is to help you see who you really are,” he said. “So that you get past self-doubt and connect with your strength.”
As he said, “You never cease to amaze with your resiliency, resourcefulness and adaptability. You find a way through, by your faith, by your tenacity, and just hanging in. You truly are our greatest resource.”
Foundation scholarships celebrate Catholic values
By supporting the CCAF, donors like you and Dr. Siddall are helping at-risk youth by putting your faith in action. If you or your organization would like to discuss funding a CCAF scholarship to help current or former youth in care pursue college, university or trade school, please contact:
Lianne Black
Director of Development
Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation
[email protected] or 437-232-9057
Read more inspiring stories
Oluwatobi’s story: From foster care to becoming a lawyer
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Shanika’s story: Scholarship recipient defied the odds
“It means someone is rooting for me.” CCAF bursaries help youth in extended care attend university, college or trade school
Julia’s story: designing a fulfilling and successful life
Your donations support scholarships to help youth in care receive educational access and open doors to stability
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Youth Readiness Program
Building skills and connections to help youth transition safely to independence when they age out of care
Camps 4 Kids
CCAF donors help send Toronto children and youth in care to overnight and day camps