Residents from Enliven’s Coombrae Home, Brightwater Home, Willard Home and Levin Home for War Veterans met recently for an inter-home Teddy Bears Picnic.
“Almost all our residents have grown up with a teddy bear,” says Willard Home recreation officer, Vicki Lincoln. “The opportunity to get them out and give them a cuddle brings back happy childhood memories.”
Beloved bears in all shapes and colours ranged from almost life size to pocket size and enjoyed extra cuddles throughout the day, hosted by residents and staff at Willard Home.
Songs were sung, honey sandwiches – a favourite of legendary Winnie the Pooh – were served and the bears were more than happy to pose for photos with their owners.
Brightwater Home recreation officer Paulette Bain says the sense of anticipation and excitement around the event quickly mounts. “Residents are eager to show off their bears, they dress them up or give them a brush or tie on a bow.”
Residents and bears alike enjoyed the quiz, music and picnic food.
“Bringing the residents of the three homes together for an event like this makes for a really fun social time,” says Coombrae Home recreation officer, Tracey Withers. “We find that residents love the variety, the opportunity to make new friends and meeting up with people they’ve met on other occasions.”
Planning for the next Enliven inter-home Teddy Bears Picnic is already underway.
