A Work for the Dole project participants can’t bear to stop!

Last updated: February 15, 2025

Work has been such a pleasure for our Work for the Dole participants that having met their project quota of making 200 teddy bears for The Wyndham City Werribee Salvation Army Corps Christmas Toy appeal, they have now made in excess of 350. The group has now vowed to continue making teddies right up to Christmas.

The job seekers began their task in April and after handing over 300 bears to the Wyndham City Werribee Salvation Army Corps last week, they’ve also given 38 bears away to children living homeless and want to continue to make as many as they can for local kids in need of extra hugs.

“A lot of families have it hard and Christmas can be a tough time. If one of our bears can make a child smile and help a parent out then we have succeeded. Our group believes every bear counts, every bear can give a hug to a child that needs one. We don’t want to stop making them for our local kids,” said Work for the Dole participant, Thi Lien Pham.

“Our participants have displayed a tremendous work ethic as the quality and quantity of their output shows. These bears are just waiting to hug hundreds of children. The group is passionate and that is driven by their understanding of how hard childhood can be for families that are struggling,” The Salvation Army Employment Plus Work for the Dole Advisor, Kelly Meehan said.

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