Despite a change in venue due to poor air conditions, Morden Family Resource Centre’s annual Teddy Bear Picnic had an excellent turnout. We spoke to organizers and families attending the picnic about the impact of the event, and the community it gathers each year.
Fundraising for programming year-round
The annual Teddy Bear Picnic is a way for Morden Family Resource Centre to raise funds for programming offered year-round by the organization. While the event itself is free, there was a paid BBQ lunch, and face painting for two dollars. “This is one of our biggest fundraisers” shared Morden Family Resource Center’ Executive Director Jen Froese. “We’re just hoping that we get a lot of people coming up from the community to support us.”
The arena itself was packed to the rafters, with Froese noticing familiar faces in the crowd. “...my favourite part of the event is probably seeing all the...families and lots of kids that come to our programs”. However, the picnic also brings out another demographic: “We get to see some of the dads come out as well.” Froese said. “It’s just really neat to see familiar faces.”
Bringing the picnic indoors
“We didn’t really think that we needed a smoke plan” shared Froese. “We just wanted to keep everyone safe.”
Moving the picnic into the Huron Arena at the Access Event Center wasn’t as hard as anticipated, Froese shared. “We have a great staff and board that helped with the changes... Everyone really pulled together.”
While shaded from the sun and smoke outside, the arena was still packed. Michelle Cook noted that while the space was smaller than usual, there was “still good energy... overall still a great atmosphere.” Cook’s family have been longtime attendees of the picnic with their now six-year-old and four-year-old. While Cook’s children enjoy “everything about” the picnic, this year face painting proved to be a hit.
“I’m just glad that people are so welcoming”
It was Gagandeep Singh’s family’s first year at the picnic, with Singh living in the Morden area for a year. He noted that his daughter has been getting along well with kids from the area, and the picnic was another opportunity to “meet the people out there” for the family. “I’m just glad that people are so welcoming,” Singh said. “The kids are really friendly”.
Carole Schofield brought her granddaughter Mia to the picnic, and shared that attending the picnic is important with Mia: “...she’s my youngest granddaughter around here... I wanted to make sure that we came out.”
To stay tuned for events and programs hosted by the Morden Family Resource Center, visit their website.
Missed the Morden Teddy Bear Picnic? Winkler Family Resource Center is hosting their Teddy Bear Picnic on June 7th. For more info, visit their Facebook page.