The freemasons handed over 72 teddy bears to North Devon Against Domestic Abuse this week in Bideford.
A generous donation of teddy bears will provide comfort to young victims of domestic abuse in North Devon.
Members of the North Devon Freemasons donated the bears from the Teddies For Loving Care (TLC) appeal.
They handed them over to North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA) at the Re:store charity shop in Bideford on Wednesday, April 5.
Sue Wallis, CEO of NDADA, said: “Families often arrive at the refuge with absolutely nothing.
“The teddy bears will be on the children’s pillows when they arrive, and it’s something they can take with them when they leave.
“We will tell them, ‘someone thought you might like this’, and it shows them somebody cares.”
David Glaholm, master of the North Devon Freemasons lodge, said: “A few senior members of the North Devon Freemasons lodge made a substantial donation to TLC.
“In return, TLC donated a box of 72 teddy bears for us to give to the refuge.”
The refuge in North Devon has capacity for eight families, and Sue said most people who access it have children with them.
She added: “The children are the unwitting victims in the whole thing, and that is why we’re grateful to the Freemasons for this donation.”
TLC was originally set up by the Freemasons to provide cuddly toys to children in Accident and Emergency units.
Freemasons is celebrating its tercentenary this year.
http://www.northdevongazette.co.uk/news/freemasons-donate-teddy-bears-to-north-devon-victims-of-domestic-abuse-1-4965525