Liam McNally
A Melton volunteer organisation has been given a holiday season boost with a donation from Djerriwarrh Masonic Lodge.
Red Cross Melton Trauma Teddies is a charity that hand-knits bears and donates them to local medical centres, pathology clinics, and police stations to comfort children going through tough times – recently three dozen teddies were donated to flood victims.
Djerriwarrh Lodge worshipful master Alec Beaton and social secretary Alec Beaton presented a $700 cheque to Melton Trauma Teddies Coordinator Jean Dickson at Brookfield Village Leisure Centre on Wednesday, December 7.
Djerriwarrh Lodge has partnered with Melton Trauma Teddies for over 30 years, Mr Beaton said he has a “personal connection” to the charity because his two great-grandchildren received trauma teddies when they were at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital.
“They certainly served their purpose,” he said.
Ms Dickson said she was “thrilled” at the donation that will go towards materials required to make the teddies.
She said by Christmas the charity will have knitted 1000 teddies for the year, and she is currently organising an afternoon tea to celebrate the hard work the 18 women involved put in.
“Most of these ladies just don’t know how much these trauma teddies are appreciated when we deliver them,” she said.
One of Ms Dickson’s favourite moments was when she gave a teddy to a boy herself when he was crying outside a pathology unit.
“He immediately stopped – it’s just a calming effect when they’re stressed or anxious or sick,” she said.
Ms Dickson said Melton Trauma Teddies is currently seeking more volunteers, and the best way to contact her is via phone.
Details: Jean Dickson – 0412 931 498
