Origins of the TLC Appeal
The Origins of the Appeal and the Compulsive Idea
The Appeal originated after an allergic reaction suddenly caused the swelling and blocking of the windpipe of the wife of an Essex Freemason.
Her life was saved by the rapid action of the medical staff at an A & E unit, who were able to resuscitate and stabilise her.
They are both eternally grateful for the swift and caring attention that she received, but found the experience the most frightening of their lives and speculated on the distress that children must face when visiting A & E units.
He asked members of his Lodge and other Local Freemasons to help to do something useful as a thank you to the A & E unit and its staff.
From that point the compulsive idea of "Teddies for Loving Care" was born. Click here to read more - Link
Teddies
for Loving Care
(Registered Charity No. 1087765)
An update on the success of the venture
The Teddy Bear scheme is proving extremely popular, especially at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital. Due to the severe bad weather in January, the hospital ran out of teddy bears, and as soon as it was possible, W. Bro Laurence Crump, of Pegasus Lodge No.9124, the coordinator in the Wrexham area, dashed to Llandudno for a new supply.
As he was walking into the A & E unit, he met a husband and wife with their little daughter who had burnt her hand, clutching a teddy bear. Not knowing that Bro Laurence was a Mason, the father said to him: "The Masons have given this teddy bear free of charge to the hospital. I'm delighted that they are doing good work."
A few months ago, W. Bro Les Chamberlain of Yale Lodge, No 5636, met another couple whose young daughter had cut her hand badly. Her father, Ron Jones, told him: "I think it's a fantastic idea. It certainly helped my daughter to face things when she was treated."
Staff Nurse Barney Pitt said: "The scheme is very successful here. We give nearly every child a teddy and it calms them down when they arrive and if we have to do some evasive procedures, it keeps them occupied. We want to thank the Masons for their generosity."
Money to buy the teddy bears is raised by selling lapel badges. Have you bought yours yet? If not, see your Charity Steward who will be extremely pleased to sell you one.
Cost of administration?
How much of the appeal money goes on admin?
Absolutely nothing, time and facilities are donated.
We do spend less than 1% on fund-raising and PR, but every penny of the remainder is used to purchase the teddies or urgently needed paediatric equipment for A & E units. Click here to read more - Link
