'This is just such a blessing': Sask. woman caring for 11 kids grateful for community support

A Saskatoon woman now caring for 11 childrensays she's blown away by the support for herexpanded family.

"I just feel super amazing," Rachel Smith said."It gives me the strength to move forward and to help look after the children. To have the whole community behind them, it's just helping them get through these days as well."

Smith, owner of Bannock Express restaurant,has five kids of her own. But when hersister died on Christmas Eve, Smithtook in six more kids. Smith said it was her sister's dying request, and Smith didn't hesitate.

Smith grew up in foster care and group homes, and said she wanted her nieces and nephews to be with family. She said she now considers all of them to be her own childrenand is in the process of applying for permanent guardianship.

She said it was difficult for everyone emotionally, but they're also trying to cope with the logistics and expenses. They go through several litres of milk a day. The toddlers need diapers. And they're all double and triple bunking in their four-bedroom home.

"I'm feeding a little army every day," she said with a laugh.

This week, as word of the family'ssituation spread,donations to their online fundraising campaign ballooned. As of Friday afternoon, the fund had topped $21,000.

Over the past few days, she's been contacted by the Saskatoon Indian and Mtis Friendship Centre, the YMCA, the FSIN, the Salvation Army, the Saskatoon Food Bank and other groups with offers of clothing, food, fitness passes, computers and other items.

"This is just such a blessing," she said.

Smith saidshe'll use the money to buy other basics such as diapers. They're also hoping that the funds, combined with her restaurant profits, will help them to find a larger home to accommodate their expanded family.