Thanks to Lisa for sharing news of this appeal. In her own words. Ed
If you have a teddy bear that is new or in good condition but just isn’t wanted or loved please donate him to a forthcoming charity event on the Island raising funds for Childreach International.
The Island’s unloved teddy bears will be found new homes at The Second Chance Teddy Bear Sanctuary during a Teddy Bears Picnic at The Crown Inn at Shorwell on June 16th in return for a small donation to the charity.
Donate your teddies
Teddy Bears can be donated at any time between now and June 16th and should be taken to either The Crown Inn at Shorwell or 8 Oak Road Newport. Bears can also be collected if necessary by emailing [email protected] or by calling 07837 239 821.
It is hoped that Island residents, community groups and businesses will donate in excess of 200 teddy bears for the event.
Sanctuary, Picnic and Parade
As well as the Teddy Bear Sanctuary, the Teddy Bears Picnic will include a Teddy Bear Parade where people can enter their favourite teddy bear to win rosettes and treats. There will also be a Hidden Teddy Hunt around the garden and the chance to win a limited edition STEIFF teddy bear in the grand draw as well as fundraising stalls and music from VOXPOP.
The voluntary organiser of the event, Lisa Burt, said, “The idea to raise money for Childreach International came from Shorwell resident Miss Emily Adams who is studying Psychology at the University of Sussex.
“Childreach International is an award winning organisation that helps children in some of the worlds poorest countries. Between us we thought a traditional Teddy Bears Picnic would be an event the whole community could become involved with, and because it is such a lovely setting we approached The Crown Inn at Emily’s home village of Shorwell.
“The idea to rehome unloved Teddy Bears seemed to be something people might really like to be involved with ~ Teddy Bears are such emotive little creatures, who wouldn’t want to give one a loving home?”
Hopes for annual event
If this year’s event is a success, it is envisaged it will become an annual event that could raise funds for many charities in the future.
Lisa went on, “We really hope people will back this community event both by donating teddy bears and adopting them on the day of the picnic itself, it will be a lovely family event for everyone.”
Image: Horia Varlan under CC BY 2.0
