Timmins volunteers shared some comfort with people all over the north this week.
The Rotary Club of Timmins-Porcupine dropped off 700 teddy bears to CDSB this week for paramedics in 22 ambulances across the district to offer to children and others in need during high-stress or traumatic events.
“This is a big milestone for the program,” said Rotary member Samantha Genier. “Having the teddy bears in ambulances throughout the district is an amazing step forward.”
This is far from the last donation of stuffed animals Rotary plans to make. The toys are also distributed to Timmins Police, the Timmins and District Hospital emergency room and pediatric wing. The stuffed animals will also be going to senior centres in Timmins.
The program was started by Fran and AJ Zimmerman, who ran it for 29 years before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rotary Club of Timmins Porcupine took up the program after the pandemic.
During the Fall Fair this year, rotary stuffed an ambulance with 937 stuffed animals.
“We couldn’t do this without the donations from here in Timmins,” said Genier. “This really is the city with a heart of gold and people keep proving that.”
She said she hopes that, as the bears spread, other communities will be able to take part in the drive.
“We’re hopeful that, with the bears going to more communities, more people and organizations will want to get involved,” said Genier.
For those looking to take in some hockey as well as donate, the Timmins Majors are holding a teddy bear toss at their game on Nov. 23.
Stuffed animals can be requested or donated through the Rotary Club’s website.
