Teddy bear initiative to bring comfort to abused kids
The Krugersdorp Lions Club has been donating teddies to the Teddy Bear Clinic for abused children, and you can help them too.
A comforting teddy bear can make the biggest of differences in the smallest of lives.
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The Krugersdorp Lions Club has thus decided to embark on a project to do their part in bringing comfort to an abused child’s life.
Director for marketing and communications for the Krugersdorp Lions Club, Dylan da Silva, confirmed teddies aren’t just toys – they bring comfort and reassurance to young trauma and abuse victims during some of their darkest times.
For several years, the Krugersdorp Lions Club has been donating teddy bears to the Teddy Bear Clinic in Krugersdorp, making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in the community,” Dylan said.
“This project was started when former District Governor for Lions Club International, Peggy du Plooy, who is currently the project leader for the initiative, noticed a need to assist children who have to attend difficult court appearances,” he explained.
They saw a need because at the time, abused and traumatised children had to sit in a room in front of a TV screen and be asked questions about their ordeal in court.
“We began bringing teddies to them and dolled up the room. The children were delighted to receive a teddy to cuddle in those trying times,” explained Peggy.
Dylan added that when the club ran out of teddies, the community assisted.
We had a lot of elderly women knitting, and we tried to deliver some each month. I’ve been working on the teddies for many and many years,” Peggy proudly said.
Looking back at their ongoing efforts, Peggy said it is rewarding to know that you are giving back to the less fortunate children in their community and that it is great to be a Lion.
“The Teddy Bear Clinic appreciates their continued support. The Krugersdorp Lions Club continues with their service mission and calls on the community to get involved with their fundraising or become a club member,” Dylan said.
If you would like to find out how to get involved, visit the Krugersdorp Lions Club’s social media pages or contact the club directly via email at membership@lionsclub.org.za.
