If you’ve ever brought your child to the Emergency Department at Wonthaggi Hospital, there’s a fair chance they’ve left with a Trauma Teddy knitted by two Wonthaggi women.
For many years, Jill Demo has been a quiet force of kindness in our community through her dedicated knitting.
She’s made an incredible 605 Trauma Teddies by hand since 2013 and donated these to children in need via the Red Cross, drought relief efforts and Bass Coast Health.
Of these, 562 teddies have found their way into the arms of children via local health services and emergency departments.
Since 2020, Jill’s neighbour Anne Oehms has joined her in this heart-warming mission.
Together, they’ve also extended their generosity overseas, sending teddies as far as Tanzania in Africa and also Ukraine, as well as locally to the Wonthaggi ambulance, fire brigade and State Emergency Service.
Jill said, “Knitting brings us joy and purpose. We enjoy knowing we are providing comfort to so many children facing tough situations.
“We’re fortunate to be supported by the Wonthaggi Library, which donates wool, but we’re always needing more supplies and welcoming donations of wool and stuffing so we can keep knitting these teddies.”
Now in her 94th year, Jill is hoping for more community support of the initiative, either through donations, knitting help or even through people learning to knit. If you don’t know how to knit, Jill is more than happy to teach you.
BCH Volunteer and Fundraising Manager Kerry Redmond thanked Jill and Anne for their time, passion and unwavering generosity.
“Your Trauma Teddies bring smiles, ease fears and make a world of difference to the little ones in our Emergency Department,” she said.
If you would like to help with donations, knitting or support in any way, please contact Kerry Redmond, BCH Volunteer and Fundraising Manager: kerry.redmond@basscoasthealth.org.au