East Lothian Courier | News | Bear challenge a roaring hit

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Thursday, 20th December, 2007 09:30

Bear challenge a roaring hit

AN EAST LOTHIAN teacher has collected more than 600 teddy bears to send to poor children in South Africa for Christmas.

Susie Graham, 41, got the idea for teddy bears after seeing children in the town of Nelspruit using water bottles as dolls because they had no toys.

Susie works as an inclusion and equality teacher with East Lothian Council and her desire to help children in South Africa started two years ago when husband Mark did voluntary work.

Upon his return home, she was keen to help pre-school children. She met with Mike and Lynne Laubscher, who run CARE (Community Aids Relief Evangelism) who encouraged her to visit.

“During my time spent working in the South African school, I was struck with the enthusiasm shown by staff and children, yet they worked in conditions with little resources,” said Susie.

“Before leaving, my previous work base at ELIS at Meadowmill, held a silent auction which enabled me to purchase teaching resources, and several plastic chairs for the children.

“My local church, the Covenant Christian Fellowship in Prestonpans, helped to purchase jotters, pencils and trays for the children’s work. Several other friends had also sent me to South Africa with a supply of toothbrushes, crayons and teaching songs on CD, complete with CD player, which were all gratefully received.

“The idea of collecting teddy bears came during a conversation I had with Lynne before leaving. We chatted about how the children often had a plastic bottle in hand and how this bottle was used as a doll or ball, as well as water bottle.

“Lynn explained that she would love for the children to be given a toy, possibly a bear, and so the challenge began.

“I’m really delighted with the bear success and I would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has helped in the challenge.”

The bears were collected from family, friends and work colleagues and from organisations including council children’s services, Airts Lassies Burns Club in Prestonpans, Prestonpans Primary School, Prestonpans Primary Scripture Union, and the Covenant Christian Fellowship.

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