Bearing up: Toy and chalk campaign brings joy to young and young-at-heart

Stuffed animals have been popping up in windows and front gardens recently in Geraldton and around the world. An online movement has called the bears (and other cuddly critters) into action for communities during the COVID-19 lockdown. Inspired by the classic children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, people have been placing teddy bears and other cuddly toys in visible spaces so families can go on a hunt and stay entertained. Facebook groups have sprung up across the country including the Geraldton Bear Hunt which has more than 700 members. Sunset Beach father Antonio Muller said his two children eight-year-old Eli and six-year-old Jenny were inspired to display their favourite toys in the garden after walking past bears on show on a family trip to the beach. “They spent hours arranging the toys and drawing with chalk as soon as we were back.” Eli Muller said the virus was scary but he hoped his toys might make people feel safer. “We’re going to leave them here as long as it takes to make people feel safe,” he said. “It feels good to know it makes people happy to see our toys and drawings.” Neighbour Mary Maurer said she walked past the house most days and the animals and drawings put a big smile on her face. “My favourite is the flying unicorn hanging from fishing line, it’s so sweet what the kids have done.”