Member News: A royal delivery of Paddington bears to children supported by Barnardo's.

More than 1,000 Paddington bears which had been left as tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II have been donated to children supported by Barnardo’s. 

Each of the bears which were left in memory of the Queen earlier this year has been professionally cleaned and given its own label detailing the special journey it has been on. 

A small number of the bears were donated to Bow Nursery in Tower Hamlets, London, today (Thursday 24 November) as part of a special delivery made by The Queen Consort. The community in the surrounding area is a diverse one, and children and staff at Bow nursery represent this community well and was specially chosen to receive the first delivery of teddies. 

The rest of the bears will be distributed to children who are supported by Barnardo’s throughout the country. 

Paddington meets a new owner.

Lynn Perry MBE, CEO of Barnardo’s, said: “This is a very special day for Barnardo’s. We know these treasured bears will mean so much to the children who receive them, particularly as they learn about the special journey they have been on.   

"We are incredibly grateful to HM The Queen Consort for her support and kindness. The children here will remember this moment for many years to come.  

“The fact that we’re able to give homes to the teddies left by the British public in memory of Queen Elizabeth II to children supported by Barnardo’s makes this donation especially meaningful.  Some of these children may be facing big challenges in their lives and some parents may not be able to afford to buy lots of toys, particularly at the moment during the cost-of-living crisis and ahead of the festive season. 

“In addition, this amazing support has also helped Barnardo’s to raise awareness of our work and drive donations to fund services which help children and young people across the UK. We are all truly honoured.” 

Source:
www.barnardos.org.uk

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