Long-time H’art Centre volunteer June Methot presented Sonia Gentile, Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington with 20 “masked” teddy bears for the children served by the organization. Methot, 88, made the bears by hand and H’art Studio artist Karen Olivier helped her attach the masks.
“June has been a friend of H’art Centre since we started,” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre. “That is more than 20 years of friendship. We started out on the corner of Brock and Montreal in a building provided by the Sisters of Hotel Dieu. June was there sewing curtains, making costumes, and painting walls. She extended a hand of kindness to the H’artists whenever they needed it. She facilitated our first substantial donation from the Civitan Club in 2001. She never stops giving.”
“It’s what I do and like to do,” said Methot. The donation of masked bears is her way to be sure the children served by the organization have “something to hug and relate to”.
“On behalf of children and youth who receive service from the Agency, we are excited to accept this donation. The talent and creativity that goes into each hand-sewn bear will provide comfort to those who may be experiencing a challenging and traumatic time in their young lives”, said Sonia Gentile, Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. She further commented “We are grateful to collaborate with community partners such as H’art Centre and their supporters. We are serving all serving children, youth and families together.”
Read about it in the Kingston Whig Standard.