On the 17th of May, ten GB staff attended the launch of the South Australian Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Breakfast held at the Adelaide Oval.

In addition to several other programs, a presentation was given on the work that is being done by Salvation Army’s Bramwell House, which provides short term, supported crisis accommodation for single women and children escaping domestic violence.

Bramwell House commenced in its present form and operation in March 2001 with the mission to provide the highest quality of care and services to women and children.

During the breakfast one of the ladies who had been at Bramwell house shared her situation and spoke of her time at Bramwell House with her children and the support she had received. 

Hearing this story immediately made our GB staff see the opportunity for Gentle Bear to help and provide comfort to those staying at Bramwell House.

Client Relationship Manager, Ian Brookson got in touch with the Salvation Army following the breakfast to discuss the GB Gentle Bear program and organise the donation of bears which they were glad to accept.

“GB proudly provides an important service to the community and the Gentle Bear Program is an incredible initiative that continues to bring comfort to children who have suffered a traumatic experience” Ian said.

To say thank you, GB received a pair of Salvation Army red socks that Gentle Bear can be seen modeling above.

This year we are celebrating Gentle Bear’s 10th birthday after coming into existence through collaboration between GB and the South Australia Police Department, as a way to minimise Post Traumatic Stress-related injuries.

Follow Gentle Bear’s adventures on Facebook here.

Hugh Ballantyne from the Salvation Army and GB's Ian Brookson