For six and a half years, Ziera Shoes were the collection point for the knitted bears assisting in bringing a smile to children in the hospital, as the store is set to close, a new collection point has been established at Kingfisher School Gear (just across the road).

Bear Coordinator, Di Drew said, “It was really kind of Kingfisher School Gear to take this on and we thank them so much. A lot of people don’t like to come all that way, as we are too far out, a lot of elderly people find it easier to drop them in around town. We also have many out of towners, who don’t necessarily know Orange, who knit for us, so its handy for them to have a designated spot in town they can find.”

Owners of Kingfisher School Gear, Stephen and Laurelle Honeysett were too happy to get on board, “We are really happy to be able to assist the community in this way,” said Laurelle. “A number of our Granddaughters have received bears in hospital in recent times, so, we know first-hand that the kids love them.”

Di continued, “From the Blue Ladies and Men of Orange Health Service to the staff at Ziera, thank you! They have accepted donations of knitted bears, snakes and other items for our sick children since May 2013. With 12,000 collected in that amount of time, it’s been amazing, well done knitters your donations have brought many smiles to little people’s faces.”

For those unfamiliar with the bears, these knitted items are placed around the hospital for; accident and emergency, x-ray clinics, children’s ward, maternity and wherever else they are needed, to bring a little comfort to our young ones.  

From this week, if you have wool, filling, or knitted items to drop off, you can find King Fisher School Gear at 151 Summer Street, where you will also be able to collect patterns! Happy Knitting!