Between 1869 and the late 1940s, over 100,000 orphaned and abandoned children arrived in Canada from Great Britain. Up to 70,000 settled in Ontario.
These homeless children, ages 6 months to 18, were sent by organizations who believed Canadian families would welcome them into their lives.
Many worked as farmhands and servants for room and board and faced considerable challenges and hardships. But with great courage and determination, many went on to live productive lives.
Estimates are that one in 10 Ontarians can trace their ancestry to a British home child. To recognize and honour the contributions of these children, on June 1, 2011, Ontario passed the British Home Child Day Act, designating September 28 as British Home Child Day.
Through their dedication and hard work, British home children have built a lasting legacy in Ontario that will continue to be recognized.
For more information visit www.children.gov.on