Northmead child looking for teddies, puzzles

The season of giving speaks to young and old. For eight-year-old Nadia Olivier, her idea of giving this year is to make children who have cancer feel loved.

The Northmead resident was watching a video on YouTube when she saw people in America giving gifts to children with cancer.

Unsure of the reasoning, the youngster had an urge to understand more about children who stay in hospital for long periods.

“She came to me and said that this year she does not want gifts, instead, she wants to collect teddy bears for the children who are in hospital, but specifically the ones with no hair,” her mom, Lea Olivier, explained.

“She did not understand what cancer is, so we explained to her and she was adamant that this year she wants to spread some love to those children.”

Little Nadia then decided to call her initiative ‘The Teddy Bear Organisation’.

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“I have been collecting teddies since June,” Nadia explained. “I told my mom that I don’t want the children in hospital to have no presents and it is important to give.

“I am also collecting puzzles and dolls. I will give the dolls to little girls in hospitals, and puzzles to the elderly in the old-age homes.”

When asked about the delivery date, Nadia said she has chosen Christmas morning because she finds no better way to spend her day than to bring Christmas cheer to others.

Supported by her family, Nadia’s brother, Michael (17) contacted the City Times to ask for some exposure for his sister’s initiative.

“We are asking the community to assist us in collecting the teddies, puzzles and dolls,” Michael said. “So far, we have collected about 75 teddy bears, some of which are Nadia’s. Any teddy bears, complete puzzle pieces and dolls that are in good condition are welcomed.”

The Olivier family is hoping to collect the soft toys by December 20.
“I need to wash them and wrap them in plastic so we can give it to the hospitals,” Lea said.

The family aims to drop off the items at hospitals in Benoni and outside of Benoni should they have any extra.
“Sometimes, Santa cannot get to all the children, so I will help this year by giving to some of the children in hospital,” Nadia said.

If anyone would like to contribute to this initiative, contact Michael on 061 484 1138.

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