THEY say “he who saves one life saves the world entire” and if ever there was evidence of that it was recently at Currajong Disability Services in Parkes.

Currajong Disability Services, with the help of St. Vincent De Paul, have donated personally made and hand stitched teddy bears to Parkes Ambulance Services in a remarkably sign of support. The teddy bears will not only serve as a comfort to children but also as a potentially vital life-saving tool.

Parkes Ambulance Service Station Officer Geoff Lovegrove couldn’t be more glowing in his remarks about Currajong and Vinnies.

“These teddy bears are useful for pediatric patients – kids and are helpful when we need children who are injured or scared to be able to point to us on the teddy bear where they feel pain,” Mr. Lovegrove said.

“The children name them and it contributes to a positive experience during a difficult time for them – they are more than just a comfort.

“The bears can potentially save lives as it allows us as ambulance officers a more practical and speedy way to identify injuries among younger patients and it makes life easier for us to be supportive and make clinical decisions,” he explained.

The teddy bears were originally donated to the Currajong Sewing Group from St. Vincent De Paul and needed a lot of work with many in a state of disrepair.

“St. Vincent De Paul were extremely generous donating these treasures to us and our group got together and repaired the bears,” said Deitre Jackson of Currajong.

“Olive Cooper donated the felt and our sewing group came together to fix them.

“We are so glad they are getting put to good use and that the teddy bears may add value and hope to a child’s life,” she said.

For Geoff Lovegrove the kindness and value of the donation is immeasurable.

“We can’t thank Currajong or Vinnies enough,” he said.

“It is these acts of kindness that make it all worthwhile.

“It really is remarkable.”