Promises of Home – Stories of Canada’s British Home Children

A band of child pilgrims in mass exodus, 100,000 strong, spanning seven decades (1869-1939), arrived in Canada.

Like seed, they were scattered from Atlantic to Pacific, not in handfuls as would have been appropriate for children, but in singles, one here, another there.

Ranging from infants to teenagers, sprouts with feeble roots, transplanted into dry and sometimes unwelcoming soil, hampered by the derogatory label, Home Child, severed from their familial connections in the ‘Old Country,’ they persevered. Against the odds, they took root, became grounded and sturdy enough to change the landscape of our young Dominion.

These solitary shoots multiplied until today their offspring make up ten percent of Canada’s population.

Promises of Home is a collection of British Home Child stories. Purchase a copy on Amazon or contact the author at rosembrandon@yahoo.ca to arrange to pay by check or  etransfer and to arrange for shipping.

PRAISE FOR PROMISES OF HOME

Rose McCormick Brandon has given our British Home Children a voice. Her book will go a long way at unlocking some important untold stories. Jim Brownell, Former MPP, responsible for The British Home Child Day Act in Ontario.

“I have really enjoyed this book. I think it’s wonderful how many positive stories there are in it about the Home children and their experiences.” Ivy Sucee, Founder and President of the Hazelbrae Barnardo Home Memorial Group.

Through books such as Promises of Home all citizens have the opportunity to know about the boys and girls and the contributions they made to Canada in peace and in war. John A.G. Sayers, British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa

Promises of Home takes readers on a colourful journey into the lives of the British Home Children who helped build and shape Canada. Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament, Brant