For over 10 years, sick children coming to Guelph General Hospital have been given a handmade stuffed bear to help make them feel better. Thanks to the hard work of a group of dedicated volunteers at Calvary Baptist Church, over 30,000 bears have been lovingly delivered to the Hospital.

"It's been a wonderful support for the work we do," says Jan McCormick, Director Emergency Department. "So many times, I've seen children smile when they get their very own bear."  But making each bear is lot of work. The material has to be cut, the seams sewn, the stuffing stuffed and then each bear's face is hand painted. Now, there just aren't enough volunteers left at Calvary Baptist Church to handle the workload.

"It's been a labour of love," says Marilyn Pharoah, who along with her husband Bob, coordinated the program at the church. "Our volunteers are getting older. While I wish we could have continued doing this forever, it just isn't possible."

McCormick says she hopes another community group will step forward and take up the reins.

"It would be a shame to lose this. I know of many instances that those bears are now cherished mementos of local families who have been helped by the Hospital," McCormick says. "We've even sent out a couple of replacement bears after receiving requests from owners who have worn theirs out."

The bears are an important part of the Hospital living its mission of providing patient-centred care says Richard Ernst, President and CEO.

"I just want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt "thank you" to the volunteers at Calvary Baptist Church. Your dedication and commitment over all these years is truly appreciated."

Any group interested in taking over the making of the bears from Calvary Baptist Church can contact GGH's Director of Volunteer Services, Laura Hutchings at 519 837-6440 ext. 2398.