PULSE Magazine | February 2019 Issue

ATCEMS Received Annual Bear Donation from Austin Junior Forum Bears ride with local first responders and bring comfort to children in crisis

Austin-Travis County EMS and local first re- sponder agencies received their annual teddy bear donation from the Austin Junior Forum Ted- dy Bear Program yesterday. The AJF Teddy Bear Program provides Teddy Bears & Dalmatians for local public safety agencies to give to chil- dren involved in traumatic events. These stuffed animals have a calming effect, providing comfort and something tangible to hold during times of crisis. In recent years, more than 5,000 children have been involved in crisis situations, and the numbers continue to rise with the growth of our city. Over the years, Austin Junior Forum's Teddy Bear Program events have evolved from a simple picnic to include children's carnivals, outdoor concerts, golf tournament, 5K fun runs,

celebrity bear silent auctions, the Bikerz Bearz & Dogz Benefit Ride, and most recently participat- ing in the Amplify Austin Day to raise funds to support this valuable community service program. Wednesday's bear donation to ATCEMS will kickoff the 5th year of online fundraising for the AJF Teddy Bear Program with Amplify Austin Day , February 28-March 1, 2019. This year's goal is $15,000 , which provides 3,000 teddy bears and Dalmatians to children in crisis.

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