Teddy bears for abused children
FERNDALE – Abused children to receive teddy bears thanks to local residents and restaurant.
Relieving the suffering of abused children requires a great deal of emotional, psychological and physical care.
This can be helped through the simple act of giving a teddy bear to a hurting child.
Dozens of such teddies – and some were handmade – were handed over to non-profit organisation Teddy Bear Foundation at Compass Restaurant and Bakery in Ferndale, on October 15.
“My grandchildren were involved in a car accident, and Teddy Bear Foundation had already provided them support and teddy bears by the time I reached them,” said Elaine van der Heever, who had organised half of the collection of teddies.
“It is good to support Teddy Bear Foundation so we can ensure every child in need can receive their assistance.”
Compass Restaurant and Bakery organised the other half of the collection.
“Elaine was our first customer on the day we opened our doors more than a year ago,” said restaurant owner Yash Athawale.
“We got to know her and she became like family to us. When she asked us for help in the collection we happily agreed. There are many children in need in South Africa and it is our pleasure to help in any way we can.”
The foundation’s donor liaison officer, Dalene Bishop thanked Van der Heever and Athawale for their contributions.
She urged anyone who could to support the organisation with teddies, their time, or finances that could go to paying their doctors especially, and also to the general operation of the organisation.
Details: Teddy Bear Foundation daleneb@ttbc.org.za; 083 469 9196; 011 484 4539/4554.
