OVER the past 12 months, a little-known organisation has donated more than 2,000 teddy bears to the A&E unit and the paediatric ward at Portlaoise hospital.
The Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) appeal was established just under three years ago and is funded and run entirely by members of the Freemason Society of Ireland.
In Laois, members of the Portlaoise and Abbeyleix Freemason branches and the Laois Alzheimer’s Association organised a combined dinner dance last week to help raise funds for both charities and more than €2,000 was collected.
Harry Nicholls and Alex Kent (Proprietor)
Speaking about the TLC appeal, Harry Nicholls, one of the organisers, said that since the charity was established in Ireland, the reaction to it has been outstanding.
He pointed out that a young child in an A&E unit or in the paediatric ward can sometimes fell very stressful. He said the tension seems to ebb when a new teddy bear is given to a child, making it much easier for the nurses and doctors to treat the patient.
He stated that when the hospital runs low on teddy bears, he gets a call and then delivers more to ensure they reach the children in time.
Mr Nicholls said: “The feedback from Portlaoise hospital has been very positive and we are delighted with the success to date of the initiative. One of the big advantages of the teddy is that the nurse or doctor can actually demonstrate to the child what they are going to do.”
Because of rules governing toys that can be used in hospitals, the teddies are bought in sealed sterile bags. The first time they are opened is when they are given to children. That means the charity can’t accept donations of teddies, but all teddies are kept by the children.
Mr Nicholls went on to thank everyone who have continued to support the venture, particularly his colleagues Arthur Harvey and Mark Williams, who assisted with organising the dinner dance.
He asked that anyone interested in finding out more about TLC or wishing to make a donation can do so by phoning 087 7872055.