Progress Celebrates Creativity with Christmas Card Challenge Winner Announcement
Progress Fostering Service is delighted to announce the winner of this year’s Christmas Card Challenge, an annual tradition that highlights the creativity and festive spirit of the young people within our outstanding fostering service. After receiving stunning entries, the winning design was chosen for its originality, vibrant colours, and heartfelt holiday theme.
The winner, a young person with a remarkable passion for art, impressed the judges with their imaginative design. Despite coming from a family with different cultural traditions, they embraced the festive challenge with enthusiasm, creating a piece that captures the magic of the season.
Gemma Dugmore, Lead Support Worker, reflected on the initiative:
“This tradition is truly special. The winning design is professionally printed and shared with families and stakeholders, but most importantly, it brings such pride to the young artist. We ensure they receive a framed copy as a keepsake to cherish for years to come.”
Michelle Earp, Fostering Manager, shared her thoughts:
“The Christmas Card Challenge is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the creativity and spirit of our young people. Seeing their talent and enthusiasm shine reminds us of the incredible potential within our fostering service.”
Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services, added:
“This challenge is a wonderful way to bring our fostering community together during the festive season. It celebrates the creativity of our young people and spreads joy through their artistry to everyone involved in our services.”
The winning design will be professionally printed and distributed to foster families, panel members, Independent Reviewing Officers, and other stakeholders. A framed copy will also be presented to the young artist as a cherished keepsake. Claire Rogers, Managing Director of Progress, remarked:
“The Christmas Card Challenge beautifully showcases the imagination and creativity of the young people we support. It’s heartwarming to see their artwork bring joy to families, staff, and stakeholders during this special time of year.”
Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial, highlighted the initiative’s broader significance:
“This initiative reflects the heart of what Progress stands for—care, trust, respect and progress. The joy these cards bring to everyone involved highlights the incredible talent and spirit of our young people.”
Bal Dhanoa MBE, Chief Executive Officer, echoed this sentiment:
“The Christmas Card Challenge is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the young people we support. It’s inspiring to see how their artwork not only spreads festive cheer but also strengthens the sense of community within Progress.”
The Fostering Team looks forward to continuing this cherished tradition and celebrating more creative milestones. As the festive season approaches, the team is also preparing for exciting activities, including pantomime outings for foster families in the West and East Midlands.