BRICC gets a bear hug

WHAT’S the best name for a teddy bear you can think of?

Buninyong Primary School students, Mia and Sophie are asking their community to choose one, submit it to the front office and donate a dollar or two while they do it, all for cancer research.

At the end of next month, three teddies will receive names drawn from the collection, and the money raised will be donated to the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, the bears’ new home.

In the past, Sophie’s Nan has experienced cancer treatment, and only a few weeks ago, Mia’s Pa passed away from lung and throat cancer.

Quickly putting their heads together, the girls decided this fundraiser was the best way they could help the cause, and BRICC, where Mia’s Pa received his care.

“We thought it would be a really good idea to raise some money to help maybe make a few people survive a longer life,” Mia said.

“A lot of kids in the hospitals battling cancer might need a teddy to hug at night when they’re not feeling very well, or they’re upset.”

Those wishing to contribute to the initiative can drop off donations at hockingstuart Ballarat or Integra, both on Sturt Street.