TLC Appeal
The TLC (Teddies for Loving Care) appeal was launched throughout the Province after initially being launced at Sheffield Childrens Hospital.
What is the TLC Appeal?
The simple objective is for Freemasons to provide teddy bears and soft toys to Accident and Emergency units for the medical staff to give, at their discretion, to children admitted who are in severe distress and where the staff feel that a teddy or soft toy to cuddle will help alleviate the stress and assist them in their work.
Is this a public appeal?
The TLC Appeal in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding is entirely funded by Freemasons in the province.
Do the children get to keep the teddies?
Absolutely!, complete with sticking plasters, bandages and plaster casts if needed.
The Teddies are now being provided to accident and emergency units at the following hospitals.
TLC Appeal Teddies
Sheffield Childrens Hospital
Bradford Royal Infirmary
Airedale General Hospital
Halifax Royal Infirmary
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
Dewsbury & District General Hospital
Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield
Pontefract General Infirmary
Rotherham General Hospital
Doncaster Royal Infirmary
Bassetlaw Hospital, Worksop
Montague Hospital Mexborough
Leeds General Infirmary
St James Hospital Leeds
Wharfedale General Hospital Otley
St George’s Centre Leeds
Harrogate District Hospital
More about the TLC appeal
Just over 7 years ago, Essex Masons launched a scheme at Essex A&E units called “TLC” – Teddies for Loving Care.
The idea was simple. When a child is in severe distress at an A&E unit, they can be difficult to treat and the whole experience can be frightening and very stressful. Produce a TLC Teddy for them to look at, cuddle, or whatever is appropriate, and the whole situation calms down, and often turns to smiles when they are told they can keep the Teddy!
The idea was so successful that it was not long before it spread up and down the Country and overseas. Over 37 counties now also operate the scheme and it also operates in Gibraltar, Cyprus, and even the USA!
What do the hospitals think? – They think it is a wonderful idea. Some quotes from the staff: -
“It’s not just a teddy bear it’s so much more”
“A Wonderful idea and Contribution to Humanity”.
“ We don’t know how we used to cope without the Teddies”
Today, TLC is celebrating the milestone of helping ½ million severely distressed Children by giving away 500,000 TLC Teddies, a magnificent achievement, all run by and almost entirely funded by freemasons
At the same time TLC announces the honour of the acceptance of Peter Lowndes, Deputy Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, as Patron of the charity, and John Webb, Provincial Grand Master of Essex, as Vice Patron.
Ian Simpson, Chairman of TLC, said “We are all very proud of the 500,000 TLC Teddies, have relieved severely distressed children. None of this would have been possible without the support, and money from Freemasons. All of there efforts have been recognised by the Deputy Grand Master and Provincial Grand Master accepting the positions of Patron and Vice Patron.”
Notes for Editors
The TLC Appeal (Teddies for Loving Care) is a Registered Charity no 1087765 and facilitates the Appeals’ activities in Essex and elsewhere. It is run on an entirely voluntary basis and 99% funded by freemasons. Website www.tlcappeal.org
Enquiries
Ian Simpson
Chairman – TLC Appeal
07887 763676
ian.simpson@tlcappeal.org