RACQ CareFlight Rescue took time out from rescuing sick and injured Queenslanders yesterday, to light up the lives of sick kids at the Mater Children’s Hospital.

Over 100 RACQ CareFlight Bears have recently been purchased by CareFlight supporters from around Brisbane, who have requested that the bears be donated to the Mater Children’s Hospital, rather than delivered to the buyer direct.

RACQ CareFlight’s Cheryl Forster says it was wonderful to see the kids’ faces when they received their new teddy bears, just in time for Christmas.

“It’s wonderful to present these bears to the kids, and it means so much more knowing that one in four RACQ CareFlight patients are children under the age of 12.  CareFlight touches so many young lives,” she said.

To reflect the valuable work performed by RACQ CareFlight, the bears are dressed in a variety of cute costumes, transforming them into pilots, doctors, paramedics, nurses and rescue bears.  There are also some special Christmas bears to celebrate the season.  Some of the bears are valued at up to $200.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Nigel Harris said, “Currently, the Mater Children’s Hospital provide a lifeline for more than 18,000 vulnerable children who are admitted each year across Queensland, Northern New South Wales and the Pacific rim. Babies as young as 36 weeks gestation to 18 years old are cared for in the hospital every day. 

“Thanks to CareFlight’s generous support, children at the Mater will receive a nice gift leading up to Christmas which really gives them a break to their daily medical routine.”

Every year RACQ CareFlight’s iconic blue and yellow choppers help more than 700 sick or injured patients.  With a response time as little as six minutes, the RACQ CareFlight Rescue service is provided to the communities of South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales 24/7, at no cost to patients.

Media Contact Brooke Crosby 0419 139 139