Want to bring a smile to a sick child’s face? No problem. The Townsville Hospital Foundation’s Buy A Bear campaign can help you do just that.
Time poor? Not an issue. For just $10, the Townsville Hospital Foundation will give a Bandi Bear soft toy to a recovering child on your behalf.
“We know a lot of people are stretched for time but would happily give back if they could and this is an easy way for them to do just that,” says Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator Megan King.
“Our volunteers will hand out the bears each week and donors have the choice to include a card with their name and age on it. In the past we’ve even had children buying a bear out of their birthday money to donate, which is such a lovely gesture.”
Bandi Bear has been the mascot for the Townsville Hospital Foundation since 2013 and is known to attend the Foundation’s events as well as doing weekly rounds of the Children’s Ward, escorted by 1RAR volunteers.
“The 1RAR volunteers are part of a rehabilitation program so it’s a wonderful way for them to get involved in the community while regaining their health,” Megan says.
“The kids absolutely love seeing Bandi. Even when he’s walking through the halls to get to the Children’s Ward he’s approached by families who want to give him a big hug or high five. The staff like to get in photos with him too.
“It’s only $10 to buy a Bandi Bear for a sick child – such a small price to pay for putting a massive smile on their face. The kids might be in hospital for long-term treatment or they may be coming in for surgery to get their tonsils out or to fix a broken arm.
“That can be really scary for some, so having a soft toy that’s been given to them really helps calm them down and makes the process a lot easier.”
“It’s only $10 to buy a Bandi Bear for a sick child – such a small price to pay for putting a massive smile on their face.”
The Townsville Hospital Foundation will also be conducting Wear-A-Bear Day in October, which is an initiative where schools, day care centres and work places can get on board and sell Bandi Bear ears and toys. Then, on Friday 20 October, they can wear them to school or work to show their support.
“It’s a great fundraising initiative. The kids especially love it and it spreads the word about the important work the Townsville Hospital Foundation is doing,” Megan says. “We look after the whole of the Townsville Hospital and Health Service district, including health centres out in Charters Towers, Ingham, Ayr, Richmond, Hughenden and Palm Island.
“Hospital Staff within this district can submit an application to the Townsville Hospital Foundation for funding, whether it’s for something as simple as a computer to help patients communiate with family members or for movie passes for the Adolescent Mental Health Unit so staff can take patients out during the school holidays. We’re here to help with those little extras that make a big difference to the patient experience.”
CONNECT NOW
To buy a Bandi Bear for a sick child visit the Townsville Hospital Foundation website at www.thfoundation.org.au.