Teddy Bear Drive to brighten lives of sick kids

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: LAM LE
Students from the School of Public Safety are asking the Fanshawe community to donate new stuffed animals for kids who are going through a tough time.

Dealing with a serious illness may be scary for a young child, but having something lovable to squeeze can help make the experience a little bit easier.

That's why the students of Fanshawe's School of Public Safety are hosting their first ever Teddy Bear Drive for hospitalized children in London.

“It can be a pretty traumatic time for [the sick children],” said Shannon Yates, a Fanshawe public safety instructor. “[Having a teddy bear] is seen as a comfort, a small gesture, and something for them to love as well; it's something that will be there with them.”

Yates said that the idea for the drive originated during one of her classes in ethics and social responsibility. As part of the class, she encourages students to get involved in volunteering, and think about those less fortunate around them.

One student asked if, as a group, the class could start a teddy bear drive for sick kids who are feeling lonely or anxious during their stays in the hospital.

“It seemed to be something he was kind of passionate about,” Yates recalled. “The class said ‘it sounds like an excellent idea' and we took on the initiative as a class. Obviously I'm very proud of them because that is a very worthwhile cause. As a teacher that really enlightens my heart.”

The class is looking for teddy bears or huggable stuffed animals that can be given to the hospital. They can drop off their adorable donations at tables set up by public safety students in the Oasis and in D building near the cafeteria at the following dates and times:

• March 26: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• March 27: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• March 28: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• April 2: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 3: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• April 4: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• April 9: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• April 10: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• April 11: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Yates said that while donors need not break the bank on a toy, the drive would prefer new toys over used due to health and sanitation reasons.

She added that the drive will give all Fanshawe students a chance to make a big difference in a small way.

“Each student who donates can feel good that they did something to help a sick child through their time of need. As students, life can be so busy at times. Just that small token that you did something to help someone is really very phenomenal,” she said.

“Even if we received 20 stuffed animals, that's 20 children who we made a difference for. We don't always have to look at the bigger [picture], but instead just appreciate the impact we can have on children who are having such a rough time.” Teddy Bear drive poster