Bears help bring cheer

A supply of 40 soft toys is now in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Province to help young children cope a little better with the trauma of family violence.

The bears were sent on request of Rotation 6 Contingent Commander John Kelly, after his rotation help set up a Family Response Unit.

The unit provides a non-threatening environment in which local women and children can lay a complaint of family violence.

Mothers attending the Police station for interviewing often brought their children with them, and the toys helped console and occupy the youngsters.

The request for more toys was made after a limited initial supply ran out.

“We did have some toys in the office but the children grow attached to them as a means of comfort, so we encouraged them to take the toy home,” says John.

The toys were donated by the Inner Wheel Club of Tawa, Wellington.