Sharing Love with Neighbours in Commemoration of the Birth of Christ Ahnsahnghong, Teddy Bear Drive for Sick Children

Toiletries and Teddy Bear Drive @ Westmead Children’s Hospital

Jan 26, 2014 I Toiletries & Teddy Bear Drive, NSW

To commemorate the birth of Christ Ahnsahnghong, members of the World Mission Society Church of God hosted a Toiletries and Teddy Bear Drive on Australia Day, 26th January, 2014. The donations were delivered to Westmead Children’s Hospital, to support family members and comfort their sick children.

When children have to remain in hospital for many days and weeks, their parents cannot help but stay nearby, sacrificing their own comfort to be with their children. Many times, they are without essential toiletries. The church members wanted to extend a warm hand to these families, both parents and children, in their time of need.

Touched by the Kind and Considerate Hearts of their Neighbours

On the day of the event, a tent was set up at North Ryde Common, where the Church of God members gathered. Local communities were touched by the kind and considerate hearts of their neighbours who were cheerfully bringing donations, teddy bears, and toiletries.

A handmade card was prepared by the Church members, for the participants to write warm and encouraging messages to comfort children and parents at the hospital.

A church volunteer was touched while preparing the event and said, “When a child is so sick and has to be hospitalised, the suffering extends to their parents. Especially mothers want to always be with their sick children to look after them despite all the inconveniences. While preparing this event, I came to think about parents’ devotional love and sacrifice for their children. I hope the toiletries and cute teddy bears will bring joy and comfort to both parents and children.”

“I’m Grateful to Have the Church Willingly Helping the Community with Love of Mother” – Bill Pickering

The Church of God representatives delivered donations with a total value of $3,705, including toiletries and teddy bears, to the Westmead Children’s Hospital, being accompanied by Councillor Bill Pickering, Mayor of Ryde. He said “I’ve attended on the day of the event and saw that all volunteers had smiles on their faces throughout. I’m grateful to have the Church willingly helping the community in our city with love of Mother.”

“This Donation Touch the Hearts of Many Parents and Children” – Jill Jenkins

Jill Jenkins, Volunteer Department manager from the hospital, expressed gratitude, saying, “This donation will certainly touch the hearts of many parents and children in our hospital.”

The parents were happy with the kind act of love that came from the Church of God volunteers, and the cute teddy bears brought smiles to the unwell children.

This was the first toiletries drive held by the Church to spread the love of Heavenly Mother.