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What We Do
The Teddy Charity was formed in 1998 when the founders realised there was no government funding or mechanism for medical equipment for children suffering from life-threatening illnesses being nursed at home.
Without such equipment children in hospital cannot return to their families, freeing a hospital bed for another young patient (the operating cost of a single NHS bed has recently been estimated at more than £20,000 a year). Equally, young out-patients have to continue to make frequent and disruptive trips to hospital for regular treatment.
THE FUNDRAISING MOUNTAIN
There is a high demand for equipment for use by community nurses in every area of East Anglia. The Teddy Charity is supplied with Wish Lists from community nurse groups, and these indicate that even 'first line' equipment needs (syringe drivers, etc) total more than £100,000 across the region, with 'second line' equipment being at least the same again.
LEAN OPERATION
The Teddy Charity has no overheads; does not produce glossy brochures; does not advertise; has no posh suited fundraisers on large fees and has no overheads as they are covered by Balloon Corner and www.balloonsbypost.com. Every penny donated is spent on the much needed medical equipment.
FINANCES
Since it started the Teddy Charity has purchased around £100,000 worth of equipment for local kiddies, including £10,000 worth in the last major buying round in July '07.
This has been achieved through dances, entertainment shows, Teddy Bear Picnics, support by various individuals and local organisations and a number of other activities such as coffee mornings and boot sales.
In recent years steady income has also been derived from Balloon Corner at Audley End Village, Saffron Walden (01799 513335) and www.balloonsbypost.com (which sends helium greetings balloons all over the UK) both generously assist the Teddy Charity.
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