Carting cuddly creatures and wide grins, 138 preschoolers descended on Victoria Park on Wednesday, October 25 for a special teddy bear picnic. Yogi and Boo-Boo were by far the most popular visitors on the day, although a few youngsters were a bit unsure of the giant bears.
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“This is a community connection day,” organiser Madeline Makim from Pathfinders Family Referral Service (FRS) explained. Several local services, including the Benevolent Society, Armajun Aboriginal Health Service and the Macintyre Lions Club were there to ensure the tiny tots had a memorable day.
Airbrushed tattoos were among the most popular activities, while the biscuit decorating station added colour to food and faces. Many well loved teddies and stuffed animals visited Bun Bun Playgroup’s busy toy hospital, and came home with a rainbow of band-aids and bandages.
Josh McPhee from the Dust Jacket set up a quiet corner of puzzles and reading, and encouraged families to consider taking part in the bookshop’s Little Readers program. Children made badges with FRS and Ability Links invited them to make cards for the town’s Meals on Wheels customers.
“That’s what all these services are about, is that connection within community,” Ms Makim said.
The proud owners of slowly fading pink and purple care bears, Harper and Lacey from the Catherine Campbell Centre took home the joint prize for most loved bear.