Fifty children, all clients of AMCARE, were spoiled with a unique stuffed toy each, as well as a hotdog, cold drink and packet of sweets.
In what will become an annual event, AMCARE, the Germiston and Albion Wheelers clubs and Germiston Rotary Anns gave AMCARE’s children a special day recently all in celebration of International Child Awareness Week.
AMCARE provided the candy packets, the Rotary Anns provided the hotdogs and cold drinks and each cyclist from the Germiston and Albion Wheelers clubs donated a unique stuffed toy.
The cycling clubs travelled all the way from Kliprivier Drive (from Mall of the South) to Eden Park Methodist Church to deliver the gifts to the excited children.
With the stuffed toys tied to their bicycles and helmets, they looked rather funny but also quite adorable.
The aim of the event was to create awareness of children and the abuse, neglect and trauma that so many children around the world have to face every day.
Each stuffed animal had a ribbon with a tag tied to it.
This tag contains emergency numbers in case the child is in distress, as well as a unique, private message from each toy donor.
Nadine Mason, social work supervisor of AMCARE, explained why stuffed animals can be so positive for a child.
“Children of all ages use toys, teddy bears and stuffed animals for coping and expressing their emotions and sometimes this toy is their only playmate.
“Children’s toys often receive names and become their constant companions.
“Their emotions are put to the test on these silent friends – they may be thrown, hugged, hit and kissed.
“This helps children work through personal challenges and emotions.
“Children may also have deep and imaginative conversations with their stuffed friends, helping them calm down.
“Also, children can experience only positive physical touch with a stuffed animal, which may not always be the case in their personal circumstances,” she said.
If you want to donate to this cause or to AMCARE in general, call Nadine on 079 500 8011, or visit AMCARE at the corner of 15 Heidelberg and Ascot roads, Newmarket.
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