Teddy bears comfort rape survivors

KWACARE, a non profit organisation, initiated by Jane Curle, a pastor at His Church in Pinetown, has received additional support from the members of the Hillary Teddy Bear Knitting Club.

The Hillary Teddy Bear Knitting Club, comprising of 11 women who are also avid members of both Christ Church and the Hillary Baptist Church, have donated 150 teddy bears, that they have selflessly knitted, to Kwacare’s initiative known as Kwarescue.

Kwarescue aims to ‘reach’ and comfort sexual assault and abuse victims, through care packs that are donated to the RK Khan Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC). The centre was established with the primary aim of assisting sexual assault and abuse survivors.

The care packs, which consist of various toiletries and other goodies are given to the survivors in order to meet their immediate physical needs and to aid in their recovery.

“To protect the anonymity of these survivors we do not get to meet with them personally, so through the care packs we hope to provide the survivors with some comfort and reassurance, as well as control after they have experienced such a trauma. Whatever happens within the first few moments after a sexual assault or abuse will effect the survivor’s recovery,” explains Curle.

According to Shelly Van Bakel, the project manager of Kwarescue, the teddy bear donations are an extension of the Kwacare project.

“The adorable teddy bears will be donated to the TCC, along with 37 care packs. The TCC will then distribute the bears to child survivors that report to the centre. Police have told us how the children survivors latch on to these teddy bears and don’t let go. They have seen how the bears provide them with some sense comfort,” added Van Bakel

“We encourage survivors to go to the TCC. The centre has increased it conviction rate from 5% to 75% in the last year. All of the staff are incredibly professional and committed to helping the survivors. They all follow protocol to the letter. DNA samples as well as statements are taken at the centre,” said Van Bakel.

The members of the Hillary Teddy Bear Knitting Club meet once a week on Mondays to knit the teddy bears and other knitted goods. They have previously only knitted scarves, jerseys, and beanies, which they have donated to under privileged children.

“As a member of His Church I heard about Kwacare’s initiative and decided to get involved,” said Lena Dwyer, the chairlady of the club.

“Hillary Church donated the wool and finances, which enabled us to knit these wonderful teddy bears. We desperately need more knitters, sewers and wool,” she added.

Contact Shelly Van Bakel on shelly@hischurch.co.za or Lena Dwyer on 031 464 1294 or dwyerlena@gmail.com