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As the famous children’s song goes, “today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.”
Those words will ring true on June 10 in Victoria Park thanks to Elyse Bouwmeester and a group of volunteers from the West Galt Neighbourhood Facebook group as they've planned their own teddy bear picnic for families in the community.
Bouwmeester is no stranger to planning and hosting events. She’s well known as a go-to for community engagement in the area and is always looking for new ways to bring residents together.
“When I first created our West Galt Facebook page I wanted to host a community picnic,” Bouwmeester said.
“I connected with another mom in their neighbourhood who used to run community events and she let me know that they did this and made it a teddy bear picnic. I loved the idea and thought it would be a fun theme for the kids.”
The day will feature a cold treat and fun activities such as monkey toss, golf, ring toss, tic tac toe and hula hooping.
Children are encouraged to not only bring their favourite stuffed animal but dress like them, with prizes being handed out for the best outfits.
Teddy bears won’t be the only animals in attendance. Upon seeing the event, a member of the group who works with future guide dogs reached out about bringing their puppies.
“I thought this was a fabulous idea,” Bouwmeester said.
“We want these events to be very inclusive and all to feel welcome even if they don’t know a single person there. Our group also really focuses on highlighting local companies so this is a great opportunity for everyone to learn about what they do.”
Aside from being a fun afternoon of making new connections, Bouwmeester and her team’s events usually involve the support of a good cause in the city.
The teddy bear picnic is no exception.
They’re asking those in attendance to bring a non-perishable food donation for 519 Community Collective, a local charity that Bouwmeester often supports.
“I learned about how important the 519 Community Collective is through one of our fabulous neighbours,” she said.
“She and I met through the Facebook group and she has been helping to plan these community events as well. She volunteers downtown at their Cambridge location throughout the week and shares about the struggles and needs of those who attend. We have to help each other and teach our young ones that giving to others can bring so much joy.”
As much work as the volunteers have put into making the day a success, Bouwmeester admits it wouldn't be possible if it wasn’t for a group of generous sponsors including Zack Schaffer of Schaffer and Schaffer Law, Krista Hogg Mortgages, Lee Carter of Real Property Management Hestia, Kinnaird Contracting, and Elyse and Marian of Vibrant Realty Group.
When the day is over, Bouwmeester hopes everyone feels a stronger sense of community and inspired to be a better neighbour.
“I just want everyone to have fun,” she said.
“I want the children in West Galt to feel safe knowing they have a strong community of people looking out for them. I hope our children remember these events when they are older and keep them going for years to come.”
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 10. In the event of bad weather the rain date will be June 11.
