By BRIDGET COOK
BRAVE teddies will head straight from the skies above Tooradin and into the arms of sick kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) on Good Friday.
The Australian Parachute Association and Commando Skydivers have organised a fundraiser for the Good Friday Appeal, with the aim of raising $20,000.
Canopies for Kids will see tandem and solo jumpers skydive from Tooradin Airfield with a Dropbear Teddy strapped to their chests.
Each brave teddy will travel straight from the sky, safely to the ground and then into the arms of a child from the RCH, accompanied with a message of hope and goodwill from the skydiver.
Experienced skydiver and event organiser Gary Tayler urged people to get involved.
“This event is about more than raising money, it’s a chance to bring much needed hope to those who need it most,” he said.
RCH nurse Kathryn Hamilton said the tough teddies would be a welcomed gift to children at the hospital.
“A brave teddy to cuddle at night or squeeze during scary times will make a huge difference to these kids,” she said.
“Knowing that these teddies have dropped from the sky just for them will make our patients’ journey to recovery even easier.”
The public can get involved by arranging a tandem jump with a trained instructor on the day.
Tandem jumps, from more than 10,000 feet, will cost $350 and with places selling out fast, organisers have urged people to nominate a friend, colleague or challenge themself to take the plunge.
Skydivers who have their sporting licence are also welcome to get involved with a solo jump to raise money.
Each jumper will become an Everyday Hero and get a fundraising page to be able to source sponsorship on the RCH website.
Those interested can register or donate at the Canopies for Kids website at www.canopiesforkids.com.au.
