Siddall’s scholarship for Catholic youth extends four decades of care for kids
When you’re a kid entering child welfare or a youth moving to living beyond foster care, the world can seem like a scary place. For more than 40 years, those young people have found reassurance and emotional support from Dr. Hugh Siddall.
A Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS) physician, Dr. Siddall is often the first person who welcomes children into 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 Catholic Children’s Aid Foundation (CCAF) scholarship.
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 a powerful medicine for kids who grew up without family stability, experienced neglect or abuse, and are at a higher risk of addiction, homelessness, and other negative life outcomes.
Dr. Siddall’s message of strength, resilience and faith
A few years back, Dr. Siddall spoke to CCAF scholarship winners and summed up how he saw his role through the CCAS and CCAF: “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.”
He urged them not to dwell in a victim mentality, but to forgive, become a survivor and embrace their unique, inspiring and one-of-a-kind self. 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
Like Dr. Siddall, you’re helping at-risk youth and putting your faith into action by supporting the CCAF. Learn more about CCAF scholarships or call 416-395-1658 if you or your organization would like to discuss funding a CCAF bursary to help youth in care pursue their post-secondary education.
You, too, can be a champion of children.
Read more stories about impactful CCAF programs.
Donate today to help us give more families a brighter future.
