When creativity and compassion combine the result is hand-knitted ‘care bears’ designed to bring comfort to younger members of our community during distressing events.
It all started when Whanganui dog handler Senior Constable Jason Page spoke to his mother-in-law Pam about how he had attended an incident where a 6-year-old girl called an ambulance for her aunty who was suffering from a medical event.
The young girl and her sisters had been taught to call 111 and Jason was so impressed with her actions during what would have been a very traumatic time, that he went back after the incident to give her and her sisters some Police dog toys.
“Pam told me about the knitted care bears that they make for local branches of charitable organisations, such as Plunket and Birthright, and said that the knitting circle would love to help Police by knitting some for staff to give out to children,” says Jason.
“My mum Anne is also involved in making the bears for church missions and the knitting group has sent hundreds overseas but because of COVID-19 restrictions they had a stockpile.
“It’s really awesome that my mum, mother-in-law and other keen knitters want to help some of our most vulnerable community members.”
Pam and the other ladies in the knitting group have been working hard to ensure Police have a good supply of the care bears.
"Jason's story about the little girl telephoning for help was inspiring," says Pam. "Our group enthusiastically knitted little Police bears, a couple of Police puppies, as well as some colourful wee bears."
Local Community Senior Constable Keith Thomson started a toy bear initiative some years ago and the current regular deliveries from the knitting group have meant that more can be given out to children in need.
The care bears are strategically placed around the Whanganui Station for frontline staff to take out to jobs.
“The feedback from staff about the bears has been amazing," says Jason. "They like the fact that they have the ability to make a difference with a child and leave a positive lasting impression that Police are there to help."