TEDDIES FOR LOVING CARE (TLC).
Via the Teddies for Loving Care (TLC) Appeal and the Province of Leicestershire & Rutland, over 16,000 Teddies have been given to children who have attended the Accident and Emergency Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. These Teddies have been provided by the Freemasons' of Leicestershire and Rutland, who over the last 9 years have donated funds for their purchase.
Over 16,000 Teddies have been given to children who have attended the Accident and Emergency Unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. These Teddies have been provided by the Masons of the Province of Leicestershire and Rutland who over the last 9 years have donated funds for their purchase. The Medical Staff at the hospital are most grateful for the Teddies which help to calm the children down after traumatic accidents. They are also used to describe to the children the treatments which they are about to receive.
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In addition teddy drawing and colouring material is also provided to occupy children in the Accident and Emergency unit while the children await their treatment. The Doctors, Nurses and Play leaders are most appreciative of these initiatives and their regular supply and recipients are invited to send us a 'Thank You' postcard.
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THE ORIGINS OF TLC
The Appeal was launched in Essex in 2001
The TLC Appeal originated after an allergic reaction suddenly caused the swelling and blocking of the windpipe of the wife of a 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.
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The idea of doing something useful for medical staff at A&E units was discussed with other local Freemasons, and from that point the compulsive idea of “Teddies for Loving Care” was born. The Appeal was launched in Essex in 2001 and has since been adopted by most of the Masonic provinces across the country. Prior to the launch, a great deal of research was carried out. Hospitals were asked how many teddies would be needed. We had to establish what style and size of teddy would be suitable in order to meet stringent toy safety regulations and be ‘cuddly’ enough to appeal to small children.
Well, over 1,000,000 teddies have now been distributed nationwide. This Province has a very close relationship with the Leicester Hospitals Charity and the teddies are in high demand. Most of the money raised to fund the TLC programme comes from Freemasons themselves through lodge donations, but we also receive some donations from grateful individuals and the sale of TLC merchandise e.g. other teddies (not the ones supplied to hospitals) and lapel pins.
More information can be found by visiting their website: http://www.tlcappeal.org/