You could almost hear the knitting needles clicking, sense a sewing frenzy and imagine a chorus of crochet hooks performing across Dunedin during July and the beginning of August.

These were the actions of wonderful crafty people working enthusiastically across the City to create 500 tiny teddies for 500 tiny babies. This figure equates to the number of babies who receive care in the Dunedin Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) each year. 

As babies arrive sooner than anticipated or need a little extra support, Dunedin’s Parent Support Coordinator from The Little Miracles Trust, Shelley Gorman, is there to walk alongside whānau on their journey. And when the little ones head home, their first graduation will now be marked by the presentation of a tiny teddy made with love by our wonderful shoppers, retail staff and members of our community.

Here at the Golden Centre, we are overwhelmed by the kindheartedness of people who have shared tremendous skills, commitment and their time to not only achieve the target of 500 teddies, but exceed this by reaching a whopping total 535 little bears.

What an achievement! 

Thank you to everyone who has believed in and supported our 500 Tiny Teddies Project in association with The Little Miracles Trust.