In a wonderful example of the power seniors hold, retirement village and aged care operator Ryman Healthcare is challenging every resident at its 45 villages in Australia and New Zealand to knit 20,000 teddy bears for some of Ukraine’s displaced children.
According to UNICEF, of Ukraine’s 7.5 million children, two million have crossed into neighbouring countries as refugees and 2.5 million are internally displaced. They have left their homes, friends, families, and lives behind as Russia destroys the country.
Ryman’s Victorian Sales and Community Relations manager Debra Richardson (pictured) said the project was a tangible way Ryman residents, team members and the wider community could make a small difference to the lives of the youngest members of the invaded country.
“Thousands of Ryman village residents are avid knitters, and this project empowers them to use a skill that they are experts at to send a symbol of love from afar,” Debra said.
The project is Debra’s brainchild. Her former foster son Yuri, is in Ukraine.
Debra and her family had fostered Yuri in Melbourne following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the 1980s.
“He has made the decision to stay and fight for his country and his family have been evacuated to safety,” Debra said.
“When I first shared the idea with Yuri he said: ‘Ukraine is stronger with your help, empathy, and love. A million thanks to the millions of people who care’.”
The public is also being encouraged to get involved in the project, and public Yuri bear drop off points have been placed at all Ryman villages. Debra also has enlisted the involvement of the company’s offices in Melbourne and Christchurch.
To find out more, or to get involved, click here.
The power of seniors sets a wonderful example to the rest of the community.
