FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
08 May 2025
AMS Receives 2,000 Teddy Bears in Celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
Gordon’s Bay, South Africa – The SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) received a donation of 2,000 teddy bears, generously collected through a soft toy drive spearheaded by the Gordon’s Bay Tourism office, in celebration of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 08 May 2025.
Observed globally on this date to commemorate the birthday of Henry Dunant – the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day recognises the power of humanitarian action and the unyielding commitment to alleviate suffering and protect human dignity. This year’s theme, “Keeping Humanity Alive,” is both a tribute to humanitarian workers and a call to action for all to contribute meaningfully to our communities.
The donation drive, which saw overwhelming support from local businesses, families, and individuals in Gordon’s Bay, exemplifies this spirit of compassion. The collected teddy bears were officially handed over to AMS today, symbolising comfort, hope, and solidarity for children facing critical illness, trauma, or displacement.
“These teddy bears become more than just toys – they provide emotional support, comfort, and a sense of security,” said AMS CEO Farhaad Haffejee. “Whether in a hospital bed or onboard one of our aircraft during an interfacility transfer, these bears will remind each child that they are not alone. We are deeply grateful to the Gordon’s Bay community for their generosity and compassion.”
The teddy bears will be distributed to AMS operational bases across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal for further distribution to hospitals and clinics. Many will reach children in rural clinics and hospitals – some battling long-term illness, others recovering from emergency events. Additionally, the Western Cape Red Cross Society also collected a portion of the toys directly from the AMS base, ensuring even broader reach for these tokens of comfort.
It is the mission of the AMS to deliver critical care, aero-medical services, and rural health outreach across the country. Today, nearly 60 years later, that mission is bolstered not just by aircraft and healthcare professionals but by a united community response that keeps humanity alive.
“On this day of global humanitarian recognition, we are reminded that compassion knows no bounds,” Farhaad Haffejee added. “To everyone who donated, supported, or helped make this possible – thank you. You have made a difference.”
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