Teddy charity hoping to comfort abused kids

0
1688

A new charity is hoping to give Nelson’s abused children some small comfort, with a “Trauma Teddy”.

Tedz Project started in the Bay of Plenty in 2012 but has since spread throughout the country, including Nelson. The project collects donated teddy bears, blankets, torches, colouring books and notepads, and puts them together in “snuggle packs”. They are then given to police to give to children going through the forensic examination process, which is where abused children need to give evidence about their abuse.

Beth Hunter saw the charity online and contacted them to say she would like to help. That led to her setting up the Nelson branch and attracting a group of ladies to help deliver the project.
Last year in Nelson, there were 75 cases where children were interviewed by a forensic examiner.

Beth says they’re after donations of a soft toy, torch, notebook and pen, colouring books and crayons and blankets. All donations must be new and will then be sorted by volunteers. “We’re relying on getting enough donations and then we’ll be able to have workshops where our volunteers will come together and put the packs together.”

Beth says the first packs will be delivered next month.

Drop off points are at Ecomoon, Elim Church and INP Medical Centre.