Woolgoolga Red Cross puts the call out for more Trauma Teddy knitters

AUSTRALIAN Red Cross Woolgoolga Trauma Teddy Coordinator Doreen Liddle, is running low on volunteers to help her make the little teddies that deliver comfort to children in distress.

Australian Red Cross has been leading a Trauma Teddy program for many years with volunteers and members in Woolgoolga knitting, sewing, filling and distributing many hundreds of teddies to those in need of comfort.

Doreen delivers around 100 teddies each month to local doctors’ surgeries, dentists, the ambulance station, the hospital and any emergency service organisation in need of something to calm upset children.

At the hospital, the nurses tuck a teddy in the bed of incoming patients as a distraction and a welcome, and there are stories of teddies loved by children many months after they are gifted.

Teddies have also been provided locally to refugees arriving from overseas and to survivors of floods or other disasters across the Coffs Coast.

Doreen is constantly inspired by the dedication and passion her team has for providing this support.

Having lost some of her regular knitters, the project needs new volunteers.

There is also a need for volunteers to sew up the skins and to ensure each teddy has a happy face.

“Working bees are held each month, so contributors can chat and watch the teddies come to life,” she said.

“Instructions and yarn are provided and can be delivered and collected.”

Volunteers don’t need a great deal of skill, just a willingness to participate.

“I love hearing the stories of how the teddies can settle children easily and help alleviate their fears,” Doreen said.

“A recent comment was ‘my children received one each when their dad died 17 years ago and they still have them’.

“Another reported, ‘my daughter calls hers Doctor Teddy – they bring smiles to kiddies’ faces when they really need it most’.”

To find out more on the Trauma Teddy program contact Doreen Liddle on 0429 160 829.

By Andrea FERRARI