This in from Karen on behalf of Wightlink. Ed
Wightlink Ferries transported the cuddly toys across the Solent on Saturday (31 October) and they will soon be shipped out to border refugee camps in good time for Christmas to comfort youngsters who have lost their homes because of the civil war.
Reverend Amanda Collinson from Cowes organised the appeal with her local schools and Churches Together in Cowes on behalf of the national charity ‘Project Paddington’. She collected eleven boxes of much loved teddies and other soft toys in less than two weeks from Gurnard, Northwood and Lanesend primary schools, Gurnard Pre-School and churchgoers from around Cowes.
She says,
“My boys Samuel and Jacob won’t go to sleep if they don’t have their bears close at hand so I know they can be a real comfort to children.
“I have been humbled by the amazing generosity of the hundreds of caring pupils who wanted to help children they don’t even know.”
Wightlink Duty Port Operations Manager at Fishbourne Sue Dunbar adds: “Wightlink ships all kinds of things across the Solent so 300 teddy bears were no problem. We were delighted to support the appeal and we hope the cuddly toys will put a smile on the children’s faces.”
