Fire teddies return to Wainui

By Frank Neill

Fire teddies are back on one of the Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade’s fire engines.

Carolyn Odeyemi has knitted three fire teddies, complete with the Wainuiomata station number 44 on their helmets, and delivered them to the brigade.

More teddies are also in the pipeline, not just for the fire brigade but also for the Wainuiomata Ambulance service.

The move to get teddies was initiated by Brenda Janes, the brigade’s Recruit Operational Support Fire Fighter.

“Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Service have had teddies on the truck in past that have been great for keeping young kids occupied after experiencing a traumatic event like a house fire,” Brenda says.

“When I realised there weren’t any left I thought I would get a pattern of a firefighter teddy and some wool and make [some teddies] myself.

“Unfortunately because of my busy lifestyle, I didn’t have the time to make them so I thought I would put it out to the community to see if anyone was available to donate their time to make us some.

“I had a fantastic response which saw the arrival of our first three teddies complete with our Station Number 44 on the helmet.

“A big thank you to Carolyn Odeyemi for our first ones.

“These three bundles of joy will go to young ones that need a little bit of love at a stressful time.

“Due to the awesome response I also have some coming for our local ambulance,”Brenda says.