Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone & Make A Difference
During such an unsettling time that we are all experiencing within our community, many people are feeling isolated, vulnerable and powerless towards their personal situation. With unshakable feelings of uncertainty and confusion, we feel like our situation is worst compared to anyone else. During our morning Zoom meeting, the team stopped and re-grouped, taking the time to reflect on different scenarios that others in our wider community would be going through.
We imagined what it would be like to be a sick child in hospital going through a traumatic journey and being isolated from your parents, siblings, extended family and friends. We noted that there were strong feelings of powerlessness, fear, confusion and a loneliness that would be felt daily by children. The saddest aspect of this is that as a child you would not understand why you are unable to see your loved ones, making this journey even more difficult and traumatic.
As a parent, seeing your child sick in hospital and using Video Calls as a way to connect them with loved ones just to see a glimpse of a smile on their face is a challenge. For many parents, it would break your heart, especially because you know that these restrictions have been implemented to keep the most vulnerable safe.
Now imagine your child receives a special package that has a Special Bear Friend in it. Imagine knowing that an individual or business in the wider community has sponsored a bear friend for the purpose of bringing children joy and happiness during these vulnerable times.
Parents in this situation feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and peace-of-mind because now their child won’t stop smiling. The Children who receive the bears feel an overwhelming sense of love, safety and protection because that bear is their constant. It’s the one thing that no matter what happens, they know the bear will always be there with them.
As a team, we have felt so reassured and excited that these bears have the ability to create such a positive atmosphere and brighten up everyone’s day. As we continue our hard work, we remind the wider community that there are many families out there that are struggling. Whether they are home or within the confines of hospitals, you can make a significant difference with the gift of a bear.