TEDDY BEAR PICNIC Pages

Teddy Bear Picnic a huge success

By Casandra Turnbull

The Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant is thrilled with the turnout from last weekend’s inaugural Teddy Bear Picnic and can safely say it will return in 2023!

Approximately 500 people attended the twohour, family friendly event, sponsored and supported by many local businesses. Close to 30 volunteers, 16 of which are Kiwanis members, worked behind the scenes to successfully organize and host the picnic. Volunteers from the Paris library branch offered up free face painting and Hunter Plumbing, Heating and Excavating displayed a fire truck for kids to explore. The Glass Slipper Company princesses sang to the crowds and First Responders from St. John’s Ambulance helped children give their stuffies medical

Above: First Responders were onsite offering a medical clinic for the stuffed animals. The Heazel family came from Cambridge to participate in the local event. Sixyear-old Tyler has his stuffie checked out while his siblings Cohen,8 , Maddie, 4, Ryley, 9, and mom Suzy watch on. Left: Elliott O Corbett, 6, has his stuffie examined by Kiwanis member Karen Guse during the most creatively dressed contest, sponsored by Mary Maxim.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

examines. Top Rock Construction, Karla & Jim Stonham (Peak Alliance Realty) and Mary Maxim donated seven major prizes to winners of the art contest, most creatively dressed contest and bring a bear picnic draw. Mario’s Pizza donated 25 free medium pizza coupons that were distributed to game winners, as well as treats donated from Rosie’s Ice Cream Shop and Cheesecake on the Go. And who didn’t enjoy the free bags of gourmet popcorn donated by Original Kettlecorn Company. The Kiwanis Club would like to thank the 7 major sponsors: Wholesale ClubBrantford, Paris Dental Centre, Jim & Karla Stonham from Peak Alliance Realty, CooperatorsMcNaughton Agency, TD Canada Trust, Brant Family Eye Care, and Shelly Gracey-REMAX Twin City.

Left: Felix Stotz, 6 and Travis Stotz, of Ayr, try to stop the Jenga tower from collapsing at last Sunday’s Kiwanis Club of Paris-Brant’s Teddy Bear Picnic. Middle: Ridgetown Kiwanis member Allen Ure presents a prize to a group of finalists in the most creatively dressed stuffed animal contest, sponsored by Mary Maxim.

Left: Elliot Plester, 2, of Brantford, eagerly waits for the diagnosis and treatment of her stuffie.