Newark charity invites you to join ‘virtual’ Teddy Bears’ Picnic fundraiser

The Children’s Bereavement Centre is inviting everyone to take part in a Teddy Bears’ Picnic fundraiser to raise essential funds now to continue to deliver vital support for families who are grieving for someone they love.

On April  23rd, National Picnic Day, Newark Charity is asking families to support them by having their own Teddy Bears’ Picnic at home with members of their household and their Teddy Bears.

There is a suggested donation of £5 to get involved, with everyone welcome to get involved whether they have accessed the Children’s Bereavement Centre’s support or not.

Donations can be made on the centre’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cbcteddybearspicnic

The Children’s Bereavement Centre provides a range of specialist services to 3-18 year olds who are experiencing life-changing trauma due to the death or terminal illness of someone they love. All children accessing support are offered a special comfort bear to take away to talk to about their feelings and emotions.

Kate Baxter, CEO said “The demand for bereavement support has never been greater and will continue to increase both during and after the Coronavirus pandemic. In light of so many fundraising events and campaigns being cancelled, it’s more important than ever we look for other ways to raise the funds needed to continue to provide this vital service and support the children and young people that need us.”

She continued, “The significance bears play in the support we offer children and young people made the idea of a Teddy Bear’s Picnic Fundraiser that people can hold safely in their own garden or home an obvious choice at this difficult time.” 

The charity says a Teddy Bear can ease stress, build confidence, soothe tears and help a child handle fear, anxiety and the unknown, and is an important part of the range of support they provide to help children cope with their grief and bring hope for a brighter future.  

Rachel Wilson, Fundraising Manger added “What better way to spend some fun quality time with family and support a much-needed local charity than having your own Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Everyone has special memories of their own Teddy Bear from when they were a child, and I really hope people will connect with this idea and support us by joining in and donating.”

Everyone taking part is asked to send their photos to the charity, “We will be inviting people to share photos and videos of their own picnic and over the coming weeks we will be posting ideas for the perfect picnic menu and games to enjoy. We need everyone’s help more than ever before, as no child should have to grieve alone.”

The Children’s Bereavement have asked everyone to follow Government guidelines about social distancing during the Coronavirus lockdown by ensuring picnics only include people that are normally in the household.