Irving Oil Teddy Bear Fair Helps Children Learn About The Saint John Regional Hospital
SAINT JOHN, NB — For many children, visiting the hospital can be a scary experience. This Saturday, the 21st Annual Irving Oil Teddy Bear Fair aims to dispel fears and misconceptions about the hospital by inviting children to bring their "sick" teddy bear, doll or cuddly toy to the Saint John Regional Hospital for a special visit.
"The Irving Oil Teddy Bear Fair is a free event that introduces children and their parents to the hospital setting in a fun, hands‐on way,” said Judy MacLeod, "Chair Bear" for the Fair. “It promotes safety and self‐esteem as well as contributes to a great cause ‐all donations from the event go to Children's Programs at the hospital.”
Over its 20 year history, the Fair has helped thousands of children ‐and their parents ‐overcome the fears of a hospital visit. Many parents and staff can see a difference when a child must come to the hospital for treatment. “Those that have attended the Fair are much easier to help than those who have not attended,” adds Ms. MacLeod. “These children tend to be more relaxed than the children who are coming for the first time.”
This year, Irving Oil joined the Fair as presenting sponsor. “For over 10 years, we’ve been proud to partner with the Saint John Regional Hospital on our Fuel the Care Program, and we’re excited to participate in this event,” said Tanya Chapman, Chief Human Resource and Public Affairs Officer, Irving Oil. “The Teddy Bear Fair not only coincides with our wellness values and provides an educational experience for kids, but proactively helps them feel more comfortable in a hospital setting.”
The Irving Oil Teddy Bear Fair runs from 9am to 3pm and involves a number of hospital departments and community organizations from across Saint John, all presenting interactive displays for children. The popular "Teddy Bear Clinic" is a must for those accident‐prone teddies who may have had a tumble off the bed and need to be checked out by a "Teddy Bear Specialist". Many a teddy goes home with his head bandaged and a cast on his leg, but more importantly the child who loves him goes home better understanding what happens at the hospital.
For more information about the Irving Oil Teddy Bear Fair, please contact the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation at 648‐6400.
About the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation
The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Inc. and its partners raise funds to make good healthcare better for New Brunswickers. In addition to raising money for the Saint John Regional Hospital, the Foundation also raises funds for MindCare New Brunswick, The New Brunswick Medical Education Trust, The Extra Mural Program and the New Brunswick Heart Centre. For more information, please visit www.sjrhf.ca.
About Irving Oil
Irving Oil was founded in 1924 and is a privately owned regional refining and marketing company with a history of long‐term partnerships and relationships. Irving Oil operates Canada's largest refinery and has reached production rates in excess of 300,000 barrels per day. With over 900 fueling locations, operations from eight distribution terminals, and a delivery fleet of tractor‐trailers, Irving Oil serves wholesale, commercial, and retail customers in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, and New England. Irving Oil is committed to the communities in which it operates, offering a number of community programs including Fuel the Care, which has helped over 35,000 families throughout Atlantic Canada and New England. Fuel the Care provides fuel gift cards to parents who must travel to provide their children with urgent medical care. For more information about Irving Oil, visit https://www.irvingoil.com/
Media Contacts:
Irving Oil
Janice Buchanan
506‐202‐6148
[email protected]
Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation
Victoria Clarke
506‐648‐6410
[email protected]