Northern Ont. community ‘stuffed’ an ambulance at its fall fair

From teddy bears and mountain ash trees in Timmins to the shores of Lake Superior, Tony Ryma has a look at what's happening across the region.

The Rotary Club of Timmins-Porcupine collected hundreds of teddy bears for children facing emergencies during its annual campaign at the Timmins Fall Fair.

The third annual ‘Stuff an Ambulance’ event was held this past Saturday and Sunday. Rotary members collected and bagged 472 teddy bears that will be distributed to the Timmins and District Hospital and emergency service providers throughout the region.

The teddy bears are intended to provide comfort for children who are facing illness, or a crisis like a house fire or car crash.

A community effort provides comfort

Rotary club president Samantha Genier credited the public for the drive’s success.

“We couldn’t do this without all the help from the community,” he said. “We’ve heard from kids who have received these bears and that moment of comfort can make all the difference.”

The program was originally started by AJ and Fran Zimmerman, who ran the project for 29 years until 2020. The Rotary Club of Timmins has since taken over the project and continues to provide the stuffed animals to children in need.

Donations accepted year-round

The club accepts donations for the teddy bear program year-round. New teddy bears can be dropped off at:

• Country 93.1 on Third Avenue,
• Dr. MacIvor’s office on Third Avenue,
• the RBC on Pine Street North or
• Western Auto on Algonquin Boulevard West.

The club thanks all who have donated or helped with the program “for sharing a hug when it really matters.”