Story by Rhylea Thompson

Most heroes wear capes, but Lyn Mackenzie is one of a kind and her superpower comes in the form of knitting needles and wool.

For the past five years, the Seasons resident has dedicated countless hours to making teddy bears for children who experience trauma.

Whether children are fleeing bushfires or floods, are involved in a crash or rescue operation or are being rushed to hospital in an ambulance, these handmade teddies are donated to them and offer comfort in a crisis.

TRAUMA TEDDIES: Seasons resident Lyn Mackenzie knits adorable teddies and donates them to children experiencing trauma. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“Imagine you’re a child and you’re driving along a country road with mum and dad and then bang – there’s been a crash,” Lyn said.

“Everyone is in shock, people are screaming, police are trying to get statements… it’s a lot for a young person to go through.

“Emergency services give these kids a teddy and straight away they cuddle them, bury their faces in them or feel the texture of the wool with their hands which helps to calm them down.”

In addition to reducing stress and anxiety and assisting with emotional regulation, the handmade bears which the children are allowed to keep offers a sense of security in an otherwise unpredictable time.

The Seasons resident began making the bears when she was living in the Lockyer Valley and joined a local craft group who also sewed clothing for returning soldiers.

TRAUMA TEDDIES: Seasons resident Lyn Mackenzie knits adorable teddies and donates them to children experiencing trauma. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“I told the ladies I wasn’t a knitter so I would just do the stitching for the teddies instead,” Lyn said.

“The demand just grew and grew so now I do more knitting than most people would in their life!”

Taking one to two days to make each bear, the talented knitter stopped counting after a while but believes her total of handmade bears stands within the hundreds of thousands.

Donating the bears to the Queensland Police, Ambulance and Fire and Rescue services, as well as local hospitals and charities, Lyn said the bears were a “happy face during a sad time”.

TRAUMA TEDDIES: Seasons resident Lyn Mackenzie knits adorable teddies and donates them to children experiencing trauma. Picture: Maddison Bywater

“The kids get such a jazz out of it, but you give one to an adult and it still helps – even grown men love them,” she said.

“I don’t always see the direct impact they make but on the odd occasion where I have seen what these teddies do for others – it’s just fantastic – it really makes me smile.

“There are a lot of trauma teddies out there but as long as there is still a need for them, they won’t stop going out and I won’t give up.

“My philosophy has always been if I can do something that will benefit others, whether it be very vulnerable people or young kids, I will do it.”

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with the production of trauma teddies or would like to make a donation, please email info@seasons.com.au