Archive photo of the first party of Barnardo children after the war, landing in Canada. - Image from the Government of Canada
Greater Napanee council has proclaimed Sept. 28, 2026, as National British Home Child Day.
The proclamation recognizes the more than 100,000 British children who were sent to Canada between 1869 and 1948, many as indentured labourers and domestic workers.
Thousands of the children were sent to Napanee and Lennox and Addington area. Their descendants now number an estimated four to five million across Canada.
Coun. Bill Martin said the day has special meaning for him because his father was one of the British Home Children.
The community is encouraged to leave porch lights on Sept. 28 as part of the Beacons of Light tribute. People can also place sunflowers on the graves of British Home Children.
The falls at Springside Park have also been requested to be lit red for the day.
Written by Emily Chatwood
