June 13, 2023
Connor Hainsworth of Rocky Mountain House gives his new bears a hug during a recent stay in the pediatrics unit at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. Photo supplied..
Story by Tracy Kennedy
RED DEER — Bears mays be known as mighty creatures in their natural environment, but at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre’s (RDRHC) pediatrics unit, bears of the stuffed, plush variety can be just as powerful.
Thanks to generous donors, a den of brightly-coloured teddy bears rests on the unit until they are called into service as gifts to bring comfort and brighten a young patient’s stay.
“We try to offer a bear to every child on the unit,” says Amie Mays, manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Pediatrics at RDRHC.
“The bears are great for a child to cuddle with during a procedure, and the nurses can use the bear as a teaching tool with children. They can give the bear a band-aid or show the child what the bear might look like with their oxygen on. It serves as a great visual and adds a bit of fun.”
The latest shipment of 78 teddy bears was hand-delivered to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation in April by Olds’ residents George and Pat Schwieger, courtesy of a grant from Foresters Financial. The group and its members have been responding to the needs of area children by donating to Pediatrics for the last three years, as well as to the Ronald McDonald House for many more.
“It makes us feel wonderful,” says George. “We know the kids really love these bears — ¬¬it’s ¬what helps them through their difficult times. If they’re in hospital, they don’t want to be there, but they have to be, so to have a teddy bear there — even for hospital staff — it cheers them up.”
George says he’s concerned that younger individuals aren’t volunteering their time as much as some of the more seasoned volunteer veterans. He encourages other members of Foresters Financial to seek out community grant opportunities in their area, and more broadly encourages any and all community members to get involved in philanthropy.
“We know there are needs out there, whether it be hospitals, seniors, people less fortunate. It’s important to do what you can.”
In the hospital, Mays says donors don’t get to see the excitement in a child’s eyes when they’re gifted a bear. She wants donors to know how heart-warming it can be — and how thankful staff, families and patients are.
“We’re very fortunate that our community shows up to support our unit, and it’s thanks to donors such as George and Pat and many others.”
Individuals and groups who wish to donate to the RDRHC pediatrics unit can contact Amie Mays at amie.mays@ahs.ca or 403-343-4597, or reach out to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at foundation@ahs.ca or 403-343-4773.
