JOY DAVIES never expected a simple idea she had in July last year, to encourage others to a provide a random act of kindness, would have taken off like it has.
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In five months, The Pay It Forward Bears Promotion Facebook group has seen members make 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.
“I still can’t get over that we’ve made over five thousand bears since July. It’s just phenomenal,” Ms Davies, from Raymond Terrace, said.
The group has 1,338 members, with people from all over the world taking part.
“We’ve had members from South Africa, Belgium, the US and Canada, Bulgaria, Malaysia, Ecuador...
“It’s unreal how far this idea has spread,” she said.
After thinking of ways to help people in the community, Ms Davies came up with the idea of creating a bear design that could be easily printed and made by people at home.
Group member Sarah Hulbert then created the design, and the rest, as they say, is history.
“People like to help others, but are often stuck for an idea on how to help.
“The bear is a really easy way to make a difference in someone’s life,” Ms Davies said.
In August last year, Ms Davies was delivered some devastating news. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
She has since had major surgery, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
“It’s been great making the teddy bears and running the group. I love being able to help other people and focus on something else. It’s gotten my mind off my situation.
“Without the group, I don’t know what I’d do,” Ms Davies said.
Since the teddy bear campaign started, Jenny Jolley, from Morpeth, and her late mother, have made 442 bears together.
“I was brought up to be charity minded, and I love helping people.
“I thought this was a great way to show I care,” Ms Jolley said.
Ms Jolley has handed out bears to cancer patients, people visiting her mother, and her mother’s GP.
“When her GP received the bear, his eyes welled up. He was so touched. That is the power of these bears,” Ms Jolley said.
The Pay It Forward Bear group has attracted members from the Facebook group Aussie Machine Embroidery Addicts, a site Ms Davies created three years ago.
Members of the Aussie Machine Embroidery Addicts recently celebrated the group’s third anniversary, with members from the Hunter region meeting for lunch at The Junction Inn at Raymond Terrace.
