Bandaged Bear Celebrates 20 Years

Bandaged Bear, the lovable mascot of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, will celebrate his 20^th Birthday in March and is encouraging members of the community to donate or to buy a clip on bear for the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal. The Appeal will run throughout the month of March, with Bandaged Bear Day on 27 March 2009.

Bandaged Bear has worn many coloured coats over the years and will this year sport a party themed coat, in honour of this momentous milestone.

In donating to the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal, you can help children like Jacob. Jacob was diagnosed with a heart condition when he was only three days old. Despite his illness, Jacob is a bubbly, and happy one year old who loves playing with his new Bandaged Bear friends.

Bandaged Bear has long been a symbol of all the Hospital stands for - Healthy Children for a Healthy Future. As the Hospital's major fundraising appeal, Bandaged Bear Day has raised over $11 million since its inception 20 years ago - a fantastic community effort!

Funds raised by the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal will help treat sick kids needing a range of medical treatments. The donations go to areas of most need within the hospital, including research into childhood illness, purchase of equipment and provision of patient services. This contributes to The Children's Hospital at Westmead being a world class centre of healing for sick children and their families. 

For the 20^th Anniversary of the Bandaged Bear Day Appeal hold your own fundraising event, donate to the Appeal or purchase Bandaged Bear merchandise from participating retail outlets across NSW and the ACT. On Friday 27 March, merchandise will also be available at train stations, shopping centres and major business districts across Sydney.

With the community's support we can all help to improve the lives of sick kids and their families.

For information about Bandaged Bear Day visit www.bandagedbearday.com.au

Click here for more information.