Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is delighted to announce its participation in the heartwarming “Teddy’s Loving Care” campaign, an initiative run by West Yorkshire Freemasons. This collaborative effort aims to provide comfort to children facing anxiety and distress due to traumatic situations.
The Freemasons’ TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) scheme, which began 15 years ago, originally began delivering cuddly teddy bears to hospitals, offering a soothing distraction and a calming influence during paediatric medical examinations. The program, funded by West Riding Masonic Charities, has consistently supplied hospitals across North, South, and West Yorkshire with a box of teddy bears every month since 2008.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which regularly attends to trauma patients, including children, recognises the tremendous impact that these teddy bears can have on young patients in traumatic situations. As part of this campaign, YAA will offer teddy bears to children who require a flight to hospital and to former patients who visit the Air Base following their recovery.
Keith Bradley, Director of West Riding Masonic Charities Limited and TLC coordinator for the province, emphasised the significance of extending this support to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, saying, “Caring for children in their moments of anxiety and trauma is at the heart of the TLC campaign, and it’s only natural for us to extend our support to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Currently, we provide 18,000 bears annually to 17 hospitals, and the feedback from the children who have received them is incredibly heartwarming and highlights the teddies importance.
The work of the air ambulance is undeniably crucial, especially in serious incidents involving children. We are absolutely thrilled to have them join our campaign and are dedicated to continuing our support for their invaluable cause.’
Marianne Haworth, Grants and Partnerships Manager at YAA expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to participate in the ‘Teddy’s Loving Care’ campaign and express our heartfelt appreciation to the West Yorkshire Freemasons for inviting YAA to be part of this significant initiative and for their unwavering support. This campaign seamlessly aligns with our mission to provide comfort and care to those in their time of need.”
This isn’t the first time that Yorkshire and West Riding Freemasons have shown their support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They have previously offered financial support by sponsoring one of the two Yorkshire Air Ambulance Promotional vehicles, specially designed and built to bring a state-of-the-art educational supporter experience into communities throughout Yorkshire.
These units are equipped with interactive technology, including replica cockpits with curved screens displaying aerial footage of the views the YAA crews experience while flying in the air ambulance helicopters. The units also feature interactive iPads for an immersive user experience and a seating area where supporters can chat with YAA staff and volunteers.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the West Yorkshire Freemasons are excited to come together in this compassionate endeavour, further solidifying their commitment to the well-being of the communities they serve.
