DORSET families are being asked to donate a teddy bear for children in Ukraine as part of a ‘share a bear’ campaign.
Karolina Halajewska, a Southbourne resident originally from Poland, has asked Dorset residents to gift teddy bears with a personalised message of support for children in Ukraine.
The 37-year-old has already sent 150 teddy bears which have been handed out on buses transporting refugee children from the border to safety in neighbouring countries.
Albatros coaches in Poland are transporting the bears, with the first shipment having left on Saturday.
The owner of Albatros coaches said: “We will take those boxes straight into our buses which transports children, mums and grandmothers away from Ukraine boarder.
"There are thousands of children escaping with nothing, leaving Dads behind- I can’t even describe what you feel when you see it. They will take a bear for their journey.”
The idea for ‘share a bear’ was developed by Karolina after her community expressed their sadness surrounding the situation in Ukraine.
Karolina said: “We have a WhatsApp group in our neighbourhood, and we all talked about how we wanted to do something.
“I came up with the idea for a teddy bear with a personalised message- either in English or Ukrainian- to help children going through trauma.
“People can make a money donation (for Ukraine), but children can’t really do that. They’re not able to give money donations but they can donate a bear that sends love and hope to other kids.”
Karolina also has close friends in Poland who have taken in Ukraine refugees. She added: “Everyone in Poland is so involved. I thought: what can I do here?”
Karolina hopes to continue with the project and plans to send shipments to refugees every Saturday, with 2000 more bears set to be delivered next week.
Neighbours of Karolina and two Dorset schools have helped to store the overwhelming number or teddies donated, but more space is desperately needed.
She added: “The page has grown so quickly. I didn’t realise how many people would share the idea.
“It’s gone crazy. I didn’t expect this.
Visit the We Care Share a Bear Facebook page for more information.
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