By: Pete Nicholson
Gallagher Bassett has launched a special 20th anniversary Gentle Bear to mark two decades of providing comfort to children experiencing trauma.
The limited-edition bear celebrates the original collaboration with South Australia Police, equipping them with bears to support children in distress while also helping reduce post-traumatic stress among first responders. Since launching, the program has seen emergency service workers distribute more than 18,000 bears across Australia.
One mother recalled the impact the program had on her two sons after a traumatic incident.
"My son was involved in a shooting. He was only 11 years old and my younger son was 8. During a police visit, an officer offered my two boys a Gentle Bear each. My younger son gladly accepted his bear, but my eldest was reluctant, wanting to be brave in front of the police officer.
"My younger son named his bear Duncan and slept with him every night. I noticed that my older son was disappointed that he didn't have a Gentle Bear. A few days later, the police officer sent another bear for my eldest, named Bruce, so Duncan could have a mate. Bruce has been on his bed ever since. Bruce has been on my eldest son's bed since that day.
"Seeing my children face such violence and trauma was heartbreaking. But seeing them hold the bears reminded me that, even amongst the fear and chaos, there were good people looking after them. It was a comfort to me as well as the boys."
Pete Nicholson, CEO of Gallagher Bassett Australia, said the anniversary bear is a fitting way to recognise the program's impact.
"For 20 years, Gentle Bear has provided comfort to children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives," Mr Nicholson said.
"The anniversary bear gives us an opportunity to celebrate that legacy, recognise the emergency service workers who bring the program to life and share the stories of the people it has supported.
"Gentle Bear reflects our purpose in action: supporting people through difficult moments, strengthening communities and providing comfort when it is needed most."
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