Trauma Teddy – Knit for Red Cross

Sometimes you just need a hug, right? That's why our much-loved Trauma Teddy is so appreciated by children and adults alike who are experiencing a traumatic situation – like having fled their home from a fire or flood, or going to hospital for surgery.

Our teddies provide comfort and help take people's minds off their worries. Trauma Teddies are lovingly hand-crafted – knitted, stuffed, sewn together and labelled – by Red Cross members and volunteers all over the country.

If you would like to join our army of Trauma Teddy makers and start knitting for charity, contact your local Red Cross office to get involved.

History

Across Australia tens of thousands of Trauma Teddies are given out each year to help reduce the suffering of people – mostly children – affected by fire, floods or other disasters.

Trauma Teddy was conceived in 1990 when Richard Hamilton, then superintendent of Campbelltown (NSW) ambulance service, saw a teddy bear given to a child being treated by the ambulance service in Camden. He was impressed by the calming effect the bear had on the child so, through his mother Vera Hamilton, he asked Red Cross to assist in providing more bears for children treated by the ambulance.

Red Cross swung into action and Trauma Teddy was born. Norma Elder organised a suitable pattern, a team of knitters, wool and stuffing and production began. The rest is history.

A boy happily holds his Trauma Teddy, demonstrating how knitting for charity helps.

While those knitting for charity come from throughout the community, every Trauma Teddy must pass a strict quality inspection before distribution. This is undertaken by Red Cross Trauma Teddy Coordinators. To find out more, contact your local office.

Trauma Teddy® (including Trauma Teddies®) is a trademark owned by the Australian Red Cross Society ABN 50 169 561 39