Day out for Play Bus

Save the Children Woy Woy Branch will be holding a Teddy Bears Day Out on Saturday, March 10, to raise money for the Play Bus program.

"After many years of raising funds to help children in third world countries, we have been asked to donate our first event of the year to the Play Bus program in Australia," said branch publicity officer Mr Dennis Hensman.

"The Play Bus is very successful in inner Sydney and the idea is now being put into operation in other regions.

"The Play Bus is a large red van stocked with toys, games and books, and it stops in a park with council approval, always roped off and secure.

"The Bus crew are all trained in childcare.

"The children are under school age, and come from poor families, and don't get much in the way of help at home, or play time with others, so are disadvantaged when they start school.

"They are often referred to us by the Department of Community Services (DOCS) and other agencies.

"As we have support from professionals in child care and other fields, we are able to detect any child abuse or other health problems at an early age.

"An early childhood nurse and representatives from St Vincent's Hospital attend the sessions to give advice to parents and check on health problems."

The event will be held on Saturday, March 10, at 1.30pm, at the St Andrews Church Hall, Umina.

Press release, 9 Feb 2007 Dennis Hensman, Save the Children Woy Woy Branch