LOCAL families are being invited to get together at the start of the holidays to enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic.
With schools out for the summer, a picnic-themed Big Lunch will help cele-bear-ate the third birthday of a local charity’s mascot called Bear.
It will take place on Thursday, July 31, in Lucie’s Cafe at Emmaus Mossley’s Secondhand Superstore in Longlands Mill.
Starting at midday at the Queen Street venue, the family-friendly event is free of charge but donations of snacks, food, cakes or sweet treats are welcomed.
The homelessness charity is encouraging supporters to bring their own favourite teddy bear, along with some food or sweet treats to add to the shared lunch.
Sharing his experience of last year’s teddy bears’ picnic, six-year-old Bobby said: “I loved sharing my dinner with the Emmaus Bear and I could show everyone my favourite bear from home.”
Elodie, 3, added: “I liked all the food we shared and lots of my friends that I know were there. I loved Emmaus!”
Emmaus Mossley supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, companionship, tailored support and work opportunities.
The charity is home to 26 people at any one time, with each person supported to build their confidence, self-esteem, skills and work experience to achieve their goals.
Molly Ridgway, who works at Emmaus Mossley, said: “Bear is most well-known for his appearances on our ‘Friday Randoms’ on Instagram and our Facebook.
“Not only is it wonderful to celebrate three years of Bear but also it’s important to appreciate how much our community has grown over that time.”