IN a world rocked with terror and saddened with the loss of celebrities who defined a generation, it warms the heart to hear about the selfless few, who toil away so quietly, for the benefit of others.
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Especially so when people use what precious little time they have to brighten the lives of others.
This is doubly so, in the case of Joy Davies.
The Raymond Terrace woman was only last year diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Despite undergoing surgery and chemotherapy she’s remained committed to her cause, to bring happiness to people through handmade teddy bears.
Her idea was simple: Create design that could be easily printed and made by people at home to give to others.
Thankfully, people have taken the cause to heart too.
The Pay It Forward Bears Promotion Facebook group now has more than 1300 members in far flung places like South Africa, Belgium, the US and Canada. Even Bulgaria, Malaysia and Ecuador.
Those members have since made 5,271 teddy bears, which have been given to children’s hospitals, ambulance stations, cancer wards, aged care facilities, and to anyone who has just needed a hug.
This is a social media success story.
For every tale that will curl one’s toes in disgust there’s another positive story like this to outshine the vitriol some seem so intent to use various social media platforms to distribute.
And rather than isolate its users, in this case, it has drawn them closer.
Last week members of the Pay It Forward Bears Promotion Facebook group and Aussie Machine Embroidery Addicts enjoyed a good old fashioned get together over lunch in Raymond Terrace. Well done, to each and every one of you. Especially Joy Davies.
Photography competition
Still on the good news front, don’t forget to take a look at the photos of Port Stephens submitted to the Hunter Photography Prize.
Fairfax is once again searching for the Hunter Region’s top amateur photographer.
Entries must include your name, address, phone number, photo title, a brief description of the image and the date and location it was taken. Please write your name and “Hunter photo competition” in the email subject field. Photos must be JPEGs a minimum of 500kb and a maximum of 2mb.
Send a maximum of five photographs to hunterphotoprize@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
