Kids' Cancer Project supporting WCH patients with teddies since 2009
Patients of the Women’s and Children’s Health Network have 20,000 reasons to smile thanks to the Kids’ Cancer Project teddy bear program and the generosity of its supporters.
In the 13 years since the project commenced, the hospital is now well on its way to an incredible milestone of 20,000 teddies donated to our patients.
The program was introduced in 2009 and, thanks to a collaborative relationship with the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation (WCHF) and registered charity, the Kid’s Cancer Project, the teddies are delivered across our wards for patients needing extra comfort in their hospital stay.
The teddy bears are funded by the charity’s donors who can buy bears via the Kid's Cancer Project website and nominate an Australian hospital to receive them, with proceeds also supporting valuable research in improving childhood cancer treatments.
There are 8 different teddies to choose from – including fairy, superhero, sleepy, and even a puppy – ensuring patients can pick out a special friend that’s right for them. In the lead up to Christmas and Easter, supporters of the charity can also purchase specially themed bears that bring plenty of happiness across the holiday seasons.
Jill Newman, from the Arts in Health program at WCHF, has seen the value the program has brought to patients since it started, with a highlight being patients putting their creativity to the test a few years ago.
“Our patients were invited by the Kids’ Cancer Project to take part in a design process for a new teddy,” she said.
“Everyone helped come up with new ideas and drew pictures of what a new bear could look like. One of the ideas was a bear in pyjamas and another a super bear like the ones available today!”
A fantastic initiative that has been bringing joy for many years! Thank you to the Kids’ Cancer Project and its supporters for their generosity towards our patients.