Tedz4thekidz is a branch of 4theKidz, a registered charitable trust focused on supporting children and families, and reduction of New Zealand child abuse.
Over time, Karen has made 130 bears and 230 quilts. These are packaged up with a torch and notebook.
The bear is a safe friend in a confusing world, the blanket is security, the torch means they are never alone in the dark and the notebook is a place for expression.
The packages are stored at police stations around the country and given to children who suffer a traumatic incident, sometimes being removed from their homes. Karen says when these children are removed they often need to leave their possessions behind.
"I've been a scared child and one of these would have been nice. The feedback that we get, the look of delight, it's a light at the end of the tunnel when they've been through something horrible and that makes it worthwhile to me."
Karen has been involved in the project since its inception four years ago. She contacted Comfortmaster, a Taranaki-based company, looking for safe, free stuffing for her hand-made bears.
"We were happy to help. We regularly have underfloor product off-cuts. To see them go to such a worthwhile project has given our whole team a lift," said Jarred Green, operations manager.
"The product we've provided is a low allergen polyester. It's so soft and warm you could wrap up in it and take a nap."
Jarred says Comfortmaster is happy to continue providing bear stuffing for as long as Karen needs it.
"They need it more than we do. We're proud to be able to help someone who is providing the community with such a fantastic service.
"Unfortunately they need to keep replacing these packs until our child abuse statistics change. They're always going to need to provide these. We'll be here to help them."
Comfortmaster is a division of the Kensair Group based in Hawera, and provides home heating.
The Stratford Press supports the work done by the volunteers at Tedz4thekidz, and our office is a drop off station for donations such as torches, blankets etc for the packs being made by the group. Drop off any such items at our Broadway office - 178 Broadway, Stratford.