Sick children in local hospitals have a reason to smile a little brighter over this year’s festive period, thanks to local woman, Marjorie Dempsey. The 97-year-old resident of Killarney Court Aged Care Facility has been busy knitting teddy bears to be donated to children at local hospitals.
Kind-spirited Marjorie has knitted hundreds of teddy bears for well over a decade, donating them to charities such as Legacy, the Australian Red Cross and various hospitals.
Despite knitting so many bears, Marjorie puts unique touches and love into each one.
“I always try to make the teddy bears different from one another,” Marjorie says.
“I feel this makes them a little more special.”
Marjorie began knitting bears after her infant son received one while in hospital.
Marjorie recalls: “My son was just 5 days old when he became unwell with meningitis and needed to be admitted to Camperdown Children’s Hospital, where he spent the next 18 months.”
“One of the special memories I have is that he received a teddy bear that was donated and it was a special comfort for my son and also for me. This is why making these teddy bears is so special to me.”
Tragically, Marjorie’s son passed away from his illness, and from then on Marjorie resolved that she would go on to create teddy bears for other critically ill babies and children to, as she says, “provide comfort and joy to those that receive them.”
Over the years, Marjorie’s efforts have gone on to do just that. Despite never knowing who receives her bears, Marjorie has the knowledge that other families feel the same comfort she did.
Since moving to Killarney Court Aged Care Facility over 7 years ago, Marjorie’s knitting has continued unabated, and supportive staff have ensured that she can continue her passion.
Despite being close to 100, Marjorie has no plans to stop knitting, despite it becoming more difficult for her.
“Although my eyesight is starting to make it a little harder for me to do, I will continue to make and donate them for as long as I can.”
Media Release provided by Brilliant Logic
What unsung angels ladies like Marjorie really are. Our granddaughter recently spent time in hospital and got to take her hand knitted bear home. These dear lady knitters don’t even get to see the joy these children get. Rarely is such kindness publicized about these unsung heroes, and they really should be thanked from the bottom of our hearts.