Residents create cuddly companions for kids
Crafty residents are gifting teddy bears to children to give them courage when they are sick
A dedicated group of volunteers and residents at Peninsula Villages (PVL) Umina, meet weekly to handcraft teddies for the local NSW Ambulance Service to help comfort children during their journeys to hospital.
The heartwarming project began as an idea from Beverly Lane from Pozieres House, who shared her expertise in crafting comfort teddies with PVL.
A PVL spokesperson said that Ms Lane’s idea is making a tangible difference in the lives of both residents and the children who receive a comfort teddy.
Leisure and Lifestyle Manager at PVL, Greg Patterson is thrilled with the results so far.
“It’s so wonderful to see the beautiful work and attention to detail the residents bring to our art and craft group, especially with the comfort teddies,” said Mr Patterson.
“For Beverly, the Teddy Project founder, this project gives her daily purpose, which is so important to wellbeing here. Knowing that the teddies are making children smile when they are unwell and possibly frightened, brings her and the other group members so much joy.”
Allen McKinlay from the Woy Woy Ambulance Station recently collected their gifts of more than 50 handmade comfort teddies, his mother Margaret, is a resident at Pam Palmer House and an active member of the craft group.
The Peninsula Villages Art and Craft program is run by volunteer, Colleen Hunter and comprises volunteers Kerrie Gardner and Di Hudson, along with other residents.
The group who meet every Monday at Pam Palmer House, also create stuffed animals for the Children’s Ward at Gosford Hospital.
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