Knights Of Columbus - TEDDY BEAR GIFTING OF LOVE

🧸 A Tradition of Kindness: The Knights’ Annual Teddy Bear Christmas Outreach For over two decades, the Knights of Columbus St. Agnes Council #8739 in Chatham, Ontario, had an Annual Tradition that brought joy and comfort to children at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) during the Christmas season. This cherished tradition began with the St. Agnes Council #8739's Brother Phil Toscani, and Sir Knight Pierre “Pete” Cadotte. Each year, Council Members gather to collect and deliver Teddy Bears to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) have helped coordinate donations, organize events, and personally deliver the bears to the hospital’s Women & Children’s Program and Emergency Department for the hospitals' youngest patients and bring light to the families during the Christmas Season. Funds for the Teddy Bear purchase was earned by the Council through Volunteerism at RivierView Garden "OLG" Bingo Centre, Chatham, On. The Annual Teddy Bear Outreach is now conducted through the Knight of Columbus "Mother Council", Blessed Sacrament #1412 (since 1909) where Brother Phil continues to lead this Knight's Ministry. Phil is supported by Sir Knight Steve Brent, with help from numerous other Counicil Members of Council #1412 to ensure that they continue to honour this longstanding Annual Outreach that has such great impact for children during the Christmas Season.. Each Teddy Bear represents more than a gift; it symbolizes care, compassion, and the power of community to lift the spirits of children and their families. The Knights’ steadfast commitment has made this Annual Outreach a highlight of the holiday season, warmly anticipated by both the hospital staff and the young patients they serve. Through their quiet dedication, the Knights of Columbus Blessed Sacrament Council #1412 demonstrate the true spirit of charity — spreading kindness, comfort, and joy one Teddy Bear at a time have quietly carried forward a heartfelt Christmas tradition rooted in compassion and service.