Ballarat foster care families were treated to a fun morning out on Thursday, exploring labyrinth-like art installation 1000 Doors and devouring delicious ice cream.
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Cafs foster carers Julie and Neil Wilding said it was beautiful to see children enjoy experiences donated by the community.
"It brings so much joy to them," Mrs Wilding said.
"Watching their faces and their happiness, in the outside world they don't get that, so it is our job to give it to them."
The couple has cared for more than 40 children with different needs over 14 years volunteering as foster carers.
"We have enjoyed our journey with Cafs. If someone has got time to give a child it is a very rewarding experience," Mrs Wilding said.
"The enjoyment you get from the kids throughout the placement, that is rewarding and keeps us going."
Ballarat Regional Tourism reached out to Cafs to offer foster care families a chance to experience the 1000 Doors installation.
It brings so much joy to them.
- Julie Wilding, foster carer
Il Piccolo Gelato provided ice cream and Grounded Pleasures and Mitchell Harris Wines donated gift packs and hot drinks.
Cafs digital and communications lead Kellie Sternberg said community groups and businesses gave generously to create a special experience for the families.
"Being a Cafs foster carer is no small feat. They go through accreditation, interviews, it is a big process to become a carer and then once you become a carer you have less time on your hands," she said.
"Having the opportunity to do something as a family is really valuable to them. They may not have such opportunities without this generosity."
Fourteen foster care families enjoyed the experience on Thursday.
Cafs works with 79 foster carers but the organisation is always looking for more people to provide safe and loving homes for children who can no longer live with their parents.
More than 120 children are currently in foster care or kinship care with Cafs.
The 1000 Doors installation ends on Sunday.
More than 8000 people purchased tickets in the three weeks it has been open.
Ballarat Regional Tourism chair Paul Martino said people had travelled from Bendigo, Geelong and other regional areas to experience the installation.
"We wanted to bring 1000 Doors here, but we really want to engage with the local community," he said.
"The sounds you hear are soundscapes that have been created by local artists. We have engaged with community groups like Cafs and the staff that work here are local.
"There has been a real sense of local comradery in all levels of it, including putting it together.
"It has been wonderful to be able to provide the experience to people who might normally have that opportunity and I think everyone loved it."
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