A donation of 280 teddy bears to Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, Wishlist, has brought smiles to the faces of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s smallest patients.

Donated by home styling company, Lorraine Lea, the bears will be handed out to children in the Hospital’s Paediatric wards, who will bravely undergo treatment for a range of illnesses in the coming months.

[caption id="attachment_1412" align="alignleft" width="288"] Aria Jackson with PJ Bear[/caption]

On Thursday, October 10, local Lorraine Lea leaders, Cassie Dodds and Jodi Hamlyn-Harris dropped in to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital’s Paediatric Outpatient Unit to surprise the kids with a very special ‘Super PJ Bear’.

[caption id="attachment_1413" align="alignleft" width="288"] Jodi Hamlyn-Harris (Lorraine Lea), little Aria Jackson, Mum Jade Jackson, Cassie Dodds (Lorraine Lea)[/caption]

“We are so chuffed to be able to present the PJ Bears on behalf of Lorraine Lea”, said Jodi.

“Lorraine Lea is such a beautiful company that is always giving back to the community, especially to children in need. We feel incredibly proud to be able to donate these bears”, said Cassie.

Paediatric Outpatient Clinical Nurse, Sue Maclean, said the bears offer many benefits to the kids undergoing treatment at the Hospital.

“There’s nothing better than seeing a smile on the kids’ faces. Often, they’re not having the best day, so these bears are a welcomed distraction. And when the kids are smiling, Mum and Dad are smiling, too. Everyone is happier,” said Ms Maclean.

Close to 2000 bears were donated by Lorraine Lea hosts and guests to paediatric wards in hospitals around Australia.

Wishlist provide ongoing support to Sunshine Coast Hospital’s paediatric units, including the recent funding of $6952 for iPads as diversional therapy for children undergoing surgery and the extension of the popular local Clown Doctor service for another two years – valued at $110,800.