Bundaberg region residents are being asked to look through their cupboards for wool and donate them to the creation of Red Cross Trauma Teddies.
Red Cross Bundaberg Trauma Teddy Coordinator Wendy MacDonald said the important program celebrates its 30th year this year.
“The Red Cross Trauma Teddy was conceived in Campbelltown in 1990,” Wendy said.
“At our Bundaberg Branch of Australian Red Cross, we have been providing Trauma Teddies to hospitals and doctors surgeries since 2003.
Comfort in times of stress
Wendy said the soft toys are used not only in times of disaster, but also for comfort in times of stress.
“Trauma Teddies are delivered to each of the Hospitals, the local Ambulance and Dental Clinic plus most of the Pathology Clinics throughout the Bundaberg area.
“At our last annual general meeting it was reported that over 2500 trauma teddies had been circulated during the year.”
On the second Thursday of every month, a group of helpers meet in the Red Cross Room in the Auswide building from 9am to check, finish and filling the bears before they are distributed.
Community groups such as Carinbundi also help make the welcome teddies and wool is always needed.
“To help keep this program going, we are calling upon the broader community to donate balls of eight-ply acrylic yarn to help our knitters continue making the trauma teddies that are providing the necessary comfort to our community in times of need.
Donations can be left at the Red Cross Room on the ground floor of the Auswide Bank building, on the corner of Barolin and Woongarra Streets, Bundaberg. For more details phone 4151 3096.
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