The Sydney Adventist Hospital (San) Teddy Bears’ Picnic was once again a huge success, with more than 600 people enjoying great food, children’s entertainment, and a cuddle or two from the San Bear at the event this morning.
Now in its fourth year, the invitation-only event is held in advance of Mother’s Day (May 14), and provides an opportunity for mums of babies born at the San in the past 12-24 months to reconnect with the midwives and obstetricians who delivered them. It also recognises International Midwives Day (May 5), with midwives honoured for their work.
“It’s a really special occasion, and we’re always quite chuffed at how much people love the opportunity to come back,” said San Corporate Communications manager Leisa O’Connor. “People love to be recognised as a San baby—it’s a bit of a badge of honour, there’s obviously a lot of sentiment around it—and they want to come back and share the next stage of their baby’s life.”
San obstetrician Dr Peter Woods has delivered around 200 babies in the past year, and says his favourite part about the event is catching up with the mums whose babies he delivered.
“It’s a great day,” he said. “It’s fantastic to see how the babies have grown, and are flourishing.”
The morning tea, enjoyed on picnic blankets on the hospital’s front lawn, was a chance for attendees to relax and catch up with other families. Balloon animals, a kinder gym and a jumping castle provided entertainment for the children, with a special musical performance from ex-Wiggle Sam Moran. Gift bags from event sponsors were also on hand for each family.
“This event is just a great opportunity for us to celebrate the 2200 babies who are born at the San each year,” said San general manager Brett Goods. “But it’s also a way to thank people who have made the choice to have their baby at the San, and thank our staff. Our people put in a lot of hard work to make events like this happen, but I think it’s so rewarding for us as an organisation. We make lifelong connections with San babies and their families.”
