GIVING THE GIFT OF LOVE TO SICK CHILDREN

There’s something about Bob. First impressions count and when you first come into Bob's orbit you know you’ve met the genuine article. 

Bob is what we like to term a giver. 

He’s a hardened salt of the earth truckie, who’s spent a lifetime building a successful business in Katherine, in the Northern Territory (NT). 

The exterior is tough. The centre - a little more soft. 

You see, Bob likes to share his good fortune and when he just happened to be sitting on a dunny reading Humpty’s Good Egg magazine few years ago, he decided Humpty was a worthwhile charity for him to support, knowing every cent he gave would be spent locally at hospitals in the NT. 

The first donation was a generous $10,000. Then another one for the same amount the following year. 

Then, what came next, was a truly extraordinary gift of giving. Bob offered Humpty Chairman, Paul Francis, a $1 million cheque, all of which was gratefully funnelled into the local Katherine and Gove hospitals to purchase equipment that is now saving lives. 

You see, when Bob sees a need, he likes to find a solution. And when it comes to giving, Bob wants to know he’s given his all. 

As he’s been known to say: “I don’t want to be the richest man in the cemetery”. 

Bob’s generosity knows no bounds. 

So when Bob mentioned to Paul Francis that kids who spend time in hospital deserve to have their spirits lifted during treatment and when they leave, a new charitable project was born and coming to the rescue was a famous humble toy maker based out west in central Queensland.

Tambo Teddies was set the task of creating a unique Humpty branded bear, that kids can lean on while getting care and then take home with them when their hospital stay is done.

From Bob and Humpty’s perspective, this is a gift of love; a symbol of comfort; a new friend to get these children through what can be a scary and stressful experience.  

And as anyone in the know knows, Tambo Teddies are not just your garden variety type of bear. These teddies are carefully crafted, all handmade in the Australian outback. Forged out of the love and kindness of a band of women in Tambo at a business that started some 30 years ago, to help keep the wool industry afloat in times of drought. 

So far, more than 74,000 have been made. Each one unique. No two Tambo Teddies are the same. Each has its own number sewn in. They are even known to have their own very distinctive personality. 

In fact, these teddies are so popular, they’ve found homes right around the world. 

And they just happen to be a little bit famous, as well. Prince Christian of Denmark was given one. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were gifted one for Prince George when they came to visit Queensland in 2014.

Now they are finding new homes with the tiniest and youngest of patients in the NT. 

To date, 50 Humpty Bears have been handcrafted for distribution to kids like Donovan, who’ve spent time at Katherine Hospital. The bulk of them finding their way to the children’s ward, the emergency department and surrounding health clinics, located at places like Pine Creek, Numbulwar, Borroloola and Robinson River. 

And, as an added bonus, the hospital can even track these cuddly companions, should any clinical or welfare checks be necessary into the future. 

Talk to any of the hospital staff and they’ll tell you, these bears are making a big difference.

They've seen firsthand the joy they bring, when they’re handed over to their young patients and the reassurance they provide during their stay. 

The Tambo Teddy is much more than just a stuffed bear. These teddies are serving many purposes. 

Because let’s face it, for any child, a teddy is a perfect gift. A friend that will be with them through thick and thin. 

So, it’s not just the Teddies these children are taking home thanks to Bob and Humpty. 

What these children are taking home is a unique and special friend, a gift of kindness, a sense of security.

A companion to help ease any feelings of fear, loneliness and anxiety. And that warms the heart far more than just any old regular toy could ever do. 

Thanks, Bob.