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Rotarian in appeal for teddy bears for child victims of domestic violence

Teddy bears from across the region have been sent to a Rotarian as part of an appeal for children rescued from domestic violence.

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Sylvia is pictured with the latest teddy delivery from Semma Kazmi of the Rotary Club of Bursley

Eccleshall Rotarian Sylvia Keris sent out the appeal, seeking knitted teddies for the Buddy Bag Foundation.

Midlands-based charity Buddy Bags help children to safety away from domestic violence – sometimes at quick notice with just the clothing they are wearing.

Buddy back packs provide essential items, plus a comfort toy of a teddy bear to each child, which may be their only friend in the unfamiliar surroundings of a safe house. Around 48,000 children each year are in this position, with the Covid-19 lockdown increasing numbers.

The teddy appeal has been touching the hearts of many people, both individuals and clubs – who have been knitting each unique bear. These have been either personally delivered or rounded up from further afield in mass ‘bear hunts’ and brought to Sylvia’s Eccleshall home with the help of Rotarians from many clubs including Eccleshall, Stafford Castle, Rugeley Bloxwich Phoenix, Whitchurch, Newcastle, Burslem and London Centenary.

The charity is trying to meet an increased demand for the much needed Buddy bags aiming to pack hundreds of packs every fortnight. So Sylvia is continuing her appeal for teddies.

For further information on the charity or to download teddy knitting patterns click here and for teddy deliveries phone Sylvia on 01785 851005.

Each unique bear has a label attached to it “I am special can’t you see, there is only one of me, I want to come and live with you, I think that you are special too”.

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