More than 160 foster families attended Fostering Children’s Christmas Party which took place last Sunday 14 December in the WV1 Bar at Molineux Stadium. The event was delivered through a combination of staff, volunteers, foster families and several partner organisations working together.

This year, the Fostering service also received tremendous support from the Wolves Foundation: their team worked alongside the Fostering team throughout the planning stages and on the day of the event. Their involvement included assisting with logistics, sourcing activities and helping to distribute chocolate selection boxes.

Selection boxes were provided through donations from both the Wolves Foundation and Tesco, with all items gift‑wrapped by the Fostering team before being given to children by volunteer foster parents who took on the roles of Santa and an elf.

Thanks to the support of the Wolves Foundation, who helped source a number of the activities including Dizzy Kizzy Entertainment, children were able to enjoy a range of interactive games, dancing and entertainment throughout the event. A variety of activities was available for children of all ages. For younger children, soft play areas were provided, while older children had access to activities such as basketball hoops and darts. Staff members also contributed by providing face painting for children throughout the day. A 360° photobooth experience was also available, sourced with the assistance of one of our foster parents through Exquisite360Booths.

As a nice surprise gesture, the Wolves Foundation also provided goody bags for children to take home as they left the event, which included Wolves FC scarves, stickers and other small items.

Stephen, a foster parent at the party, said: “The party was absolutely fantastic! The venue at Wolves was perfect, the activities were well thought out, and the whole day felt welcoming and inclusive. It was clear how much effort had gone into making it special for the children and families.”

Another foster parent, Kaid, added: “It was such a lovely, well-organised event. The activities, food and atmosphere were brilliant, and it was great to feel so supported and valued as foster parents. Events like this really make a difference.”

A foster child also said: “I loved the Christmas party! The games, tattoos and face painting were so much fun and meeting Santa was the best!”

Reflecting on the event, Westley Jones, Social Worker for Fostering Support at the City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “For a few magical hours at Molineux Stadium, our most vulnerable children felt like the most important people in the city. Surrounded by laughter, activities, and gifts, they weren’t just attending a party, they were experiencing belonging, joy, and hope. Moments like these remind us that when a child feels truly special, even for a short time, it can leave a lasting imprint on their confidence and sense of worth.”

Additional support was received from Marston’s, who provided a financial donation of £1500 towards the event. Tesco also supplied an extra donation of £200, raised through the in‑store book stand initiative at the Wolverhampton Superstore on Marstons Road in Penn, where customers contribute voluntarily when selecting donated books. This additional contribution came as a surprise donation for the fostering service and will be used to support the 2026 Christmas events.

Anyone interested in finding out more about fostering, including the different types of fostering available and the support provided by the City of Wolverhampton Council, is encouraged to visit www.fosteringwolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 551133 for further information. Enquiries are welcome from individuals, couples and families from all backgrounds who want to make a difference to the lives of local children and young people.