Chris, Canadian Intended Parent in Ontario, Canada

Explain your reasons for wanting a surrogate/donor:

I can't imagine a life without kids.This has always been a part of my plan but haven't been in a position financially until now. I feel that I'm ready for the next chapter of my life and that's definitely becoming a father.

How would you best describe yourself(s):

My name is Chris, I'm a single gay male from Ottawa, Ontario. I'm a pretty laid back guy with a good sense of humour (I think!). I love my family and love my friends. They are really the most important part of my live and I'd love to expand my circle with kids of my own. I love to travel as well...I've had adventures in South America, Europe and Africa and have lived in Dublin, London and Sydney. I'm currently based in Singapore but home-base is Ottawa.This is where my family is and ultimately it would be great to find a surrogate and egg donor who were based in Ontario - although not essential.

Use this space to communicate a letter to potential Surrogates/Donors:

I wanted to share a few thoughts and insights from my family and friends here - Why Chris would make a Great Dad! My Mum, Clare… I know my son will be a great Dad! As his mother, I realize I am not very objective.But I also know that I speak for our family members and friends when I make that assertion. Chris has worked hard all his life to achieve what he wanted.Nothing came easily but he persevered and gained experience, perspective and maturity along the way. Chris has worked hard to make a successful career and he has been successful due to a his integrity and work ethic which has contributed to his success. He has traveled all over the world and so has developed a global perspective rich with personal experiences. All of these qualities have made him into a fine young man and will serve him well in his journey towards being a parent. Aside from the qualities that Chris has developed is his best qualities are inherent...he is a kind and compassionate person.This is naturally who he is at his core! I know Chris has thought very carefully about his decision to pursue this path.His circumstances are unique but he is sincere in his wish to be a father.It is a challenge for all the people involved but he is up for it and his friends and family are right behind him! We all want him to have the chance to realize this true wish....to be a great Dad! My Dad, Perry… My son is a great guy, and this is something I can tell you for a fact.He’s worked hard his whole life – starting with his after school job in high-school, and working his way right up the ladder to Sales Director for a multi-national company.I’m very proud of what he’s managed to achieve. If I think of my son, three things come to mind – his integrity, his honest, and work habits.Surviving for as long as he has in sales is not easy – I know that for a fact – yet Chris continues to succeed.I’ve learned a lot from him, even if we sometimes don’t see eye to eye.He’s very brave, which I’d also like to highlight - he’s moved himself from Canada to Ireland, then the UK, then to Australia, and then to Singapore.Each time, he needed to start from scratch, and meet new friends and get himself set up, and that’s not easy.This opportunity – to have a child – is something he’ll approach with the same dedication and commitment. I also admire the friends that he’s made along the way in his life – there is a group of really good people in his life (some of them from more than 20 years).He’s got support, and I know he’ll have support with this child, not just from family, but from his circle of friends. My son is a great guy – he deserves this opportunity, and I believe he’ll be a great dad. My Sister, Charity… I’m writing this note to recommend my brother, Chris Safford, to be a dad.He is my brother, and while we used to fight a lot when we were kids, as we’ve grown up he’s become one of my best friends. I’m *** confident that Chris would make a super father.I’ve always known that Chris wanted to be a father, and that having a family was important to him.Chris is the one in our family who puts in the extra effort, to keep us connected, even though we live far apart.He’s the one that reminds me about birthdays, and special occasions… and goes the extra mile to keep the family together. Chris cares deeply for my 2 children, who are 6 and 3.He’s their god-father, and they love him dearly.He is constantly sending me Facebook links about improving their diets, or which movies are coming up next they would like… he’s gone along on the journey of parenthood right beside me and my husband, in so many ways. I would trust Chris completely with making the right decisions for my kids – he always asks for advice when he needs it, but has fantastic instincts about how to interact with the kids.My kids think he’s cool, and fair, and kind… and that he has the best movies on his computer for them to watch.They cheer when they know he’s coming.I love watching them chat, and play Lego, and paint… he’s literally one of the coolest guys they know. Chris has approached the journey towards parenthood like he has with everything else in his life.He has started by researching his options, seeking advice, and talking with his friends and family about his feelings, and the best way to proceed.He has not rushed into this, but rather weighed his options, and we all agree that he’s chosen the right path.He’s ready to be a dad – a great dad – and he’ll have a ton of support from me, my husband, and the rest of my family. I can’t say enough how much I recommend him for this and I love him very much. My Brother-in-Law, Ivo… When I was a little kid, I was influenced by adults with good stories and interesting experiences who liked to share them with kids.Chris has tons of interests and interesting experiences and he knows how to share them with my children.He will be a great inspiration for his kids.The same way he is for mine. My Aunt, Patsy… Why Chris is awesome! In addition to being his aunt, I had the pleasure of being Chris' housemate as he lived with my daughter and me for a short time when he first moved to Toronto. Chris is an excellent listener and is determined to understand the viewpoints of others.He is also hard-working, responsible and persistent in the face of obstacles.For example, at the beginning of his career, he set his sights on the movie industry, a very competitive business, and was able to break in and excel. He is a valued friend and works hard to maintain connections despite long distances.Though he has lived in London, Australia and now Singapore, he makes the effort to get together with his friends when he's in town. Chris is an incredibly enthusiastic uncle and takes every opportunity to create a unique relationship with his two nephews.He's done this from the moment the elder was born and he continues to be an important presence in their lives. He also has a great sense of humour and is quick to laugh. In short, I know him to be kind, warm, supportive, loving, and dedicated to his family and friends.Chris will be an excellent father! One of my closest Friends, Ariam… Chris Safford - a father Chris Safford has asked me to serve as a character reference in his application to become a father through surrogacy.I couldn't be more honoured.I have known Chris for 20 years and feel privileged to count him among my closest friends.Over the years we have lived both in close proximity (sharing a flat for years in London) and in distant cities and different time zones.We have been confidants throughout sharing our hopes, fears and youthful disgraces - often in laughter. I would characterise Chris as cautious/ risk-averse, very responsible, comically conservative and incredibly warm and generous person.You'd swear he was a baby boomer.He is not impulsive and is rather considered in his life choices though you wouldn't think it given the number of far flung places he has up and moved to over the years.He has a sense of adventure and loves travel.He deeply values interacting with different cultures and exploring frontiers so different from his Canadian roots. I write all this because I imagine you want to know more than his bio will reveal. His devotion to his family - particularly his nephews is a testament to his calling to be a father.Something he declared while we were in our 20's and he has consistently made choices in his professional and personal life to stoke that possibility.I believe for many years he wanted to be straight because of that sole purpose and desire. Having spent so much time with his nephews, he is under no illusions about what being a single father will require and yet he is steadfast in his commitment to pursue fatherhood.He has chosen this moment to initiate surrogacy with absolute confidence (and the support from his family and friends) that he can endure the necessary sacrifices and challenges parenthood throws up.He has the means and a practical plan to make this work in a way that places the child/ children's needs at the centre of his approach. It is truly remarkable and a joy to see Chris so filled with hope and purpose.I sincerely hope I get to witness the fulfilment of this incredible wish.