Drum roll, please… We are thrilled to announce the winners of our annual This is Belonging photo contest!
We want to give a huge thank you to everyone who participated and to our generous sponsor, Broadway Camera.
Scroll down to meet the winners, read what belonging means to them, and see why, among all the wonderful photos submitted, these made it to the top three. We hope their images and words bring you as much joy as they brought us!
First place: the Kendrick family
“Belonging means feeling safe and accepted for who you are with the people around you, without having to question how they feel about you.”
What we loved about this photo is the pure joy it radiates. Dad and son are smiling so big you can almost feel it. Bet you smiled too!
Second place: the Simpson family
“Belonging means being vulnerable with each other in safety and love.
My family loves to laugh. We have thousands of photos, but my favourites are when our guards are down, and genuine laughter and silliness comes out which is how we are. It’s how we have fun.”
The spontaneity, cheerfulness, and happiness in this photo made it impossible not to choose it. We do feel for the pup, though. He looks ready to move on to snack time!
Second place: the Simpson family
“To us, ‘belonging’ means that you are never truly alone. It’s feeling accepted, supported, and connected, through all the ups and downs, as you build a life together.
We have been part of this incredible community since 2015. We are so honoured to have this beautiful, brave and amazing girl in our lives.”
Amy and Brooklyn have been part of our community for many years, and they’ve shared how much the Belonging Network meant to them during their adoption journey. We love seeing Brooklyn now as a bright, happy teen, especially one who still agrees to take a photo on a swing with her mom.
Draw winner: the Crandlemire family
“Belonging means a safe home to come home to, with people who love you, no matter where you are in your journey. Regardless of past or present or whatever the future may hold, your loved ones show up for you, on your side, every time.”
Although this photo didn’t make it into the top three, we love that it came up as our draw winner! The family shared that it was taken during their first international trip together, so we thank them for sharing such a wonderful and special memory with us.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your moments of belonging with us. Your photos have truly made this year’s photo contest a memorable one!
Don’t forget, it’s Adoption and Permanency Awareness Month! Let’s celebrate permanency families of all kinds. Take a moment to learn more, get involved, and join one of the events we’ve planned for you at belongingnetwork.com/apam.
