The annual Teddy Bear Picnic is back in Winkler on Saturday, June 7th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering a unique, free event for families at Winkler Park (by the pool). Hosted by the Winkler Family Resource Centre, the event is open to children of all ages — and their beloved stuffed animals.
Monica Dueck, Interim Executive Director of the Winkler Family Resource Centre, says the picnic serves as a fun and non-threatening way for kids to interact with healthcare professionals.
“You get to come with your stuffed animals,” said Dueck, “and they’ll get a full check-up to make sure they’re good and healthy. This is a fun and gentle way to introduce your kids to health care, so when they go in for their own check-ups, they’re a little less scared.”
Stuffed check-ups — No appointment needed
Kids will rotate through booths hosted by a range of medical professionals — including doctors, nurses, optometrists, dentists, orthodontists, and, for the first time, a chiropractor. The idea is to help children build comfort around medical environments, using their stuffed animal friends as stand-ins.
Lindsay Magi, a lab assistant at the C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre, agrees. “It’s really good to just have them even see the people that work there, so they’re not so scared of people in lab coats or with a stethoscope around their neck,” said Magi. “Once they get comfortable with the people, the rest doesn’t matter.”
Not just bears — Any stuffed animal or doll will do
Despite the name, the event welcomes more than just teddy bears.
“My kids usually bring a stuffed dinosaur or even an axolotl,” said Dueck. “Any stuffed animal can get a check-up!”
She added that her own children have been regular attendees over the years. “I’ve brought my kids to all the Teddy Bear Picnics,” said Dueck. “It’s really fun for them to see their stuffed animals go through the same things they do at the doctor. It helps reinforce what happens at appointments — like visiting the dentist or getting your eyes checked.”
Fun, games, and a fundraising BBQ
While health education is the heartbeat of the picnic, the event offers plenty of fun, too.
“We’ve got face painting, the Imagination Library doing book activities, and the Winkler Soccer Club running soccer drills,” said Dueck. “There’s something for everyone.”
Although admission is free, the event doubles as the Centre’s largest fundraiser. A BBQ lunch and other treats like popsicles will be available for purchase, with proceeds supporting local programming.
“We’re really grateful for our volunteers and sponsors,” added Dueck. “They help make this event so special every year.”