Last week saw a ‘special delivery’ at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s, with hospital staff receiving a heartwarming gift of hand-knitted teddy bears.
Kids who live in Bacchus Marsh and Melton and need specialist care or are very unwell are cared for at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital and these ‘trauma teddies’ have been donated to provide comfort to these kids.
The adorable bears were handcrafted over several weeks by a community group of women aged 70 to 90 years, and their thoughtful gesture brought big smiles to the faces of children and staff alike.
Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s hospital nurse Nicole Millson, expressed her gratitude for the donation.
“Our goal is to create a hospital environment that is as welcoming and comforting as possible and beautiful gestures like this can really make a difference in the lives of our little patients,” she said.
“We are so very grateful to the wonderful women from Dandenong Council’s Social support Activity Program for knitting these beautiful bears.”
Western Health Community Engagement and Volunteers manager Karin Haufe-Stellini emphasised the vital role that volunteers play in supporting hospitals.
“While clinical staff are on the frontline of patient care, hospitals will always need dedicated volunteers,” she said.
“Our volunteers across Melbourne’s western suburbs contribute their time and passion every day, whether it’s guiding visitors through the hospital, assisting our auxiliary, or lending a helping hand in our op shop. It’s an incredibly rewarding and fun way to give back to the community.”
To find out more about volunteering at one of Western Health’s hospitals, call or email Volunteer Enquiries.
Details: (03) 8395 9092 or volunteer@wh.org.au
