• Teddy bear Christmas Council
Senior teddies gathered last week to decide who the new owners would be for all the teddies donated from the 2023 Perth Bikers’ Charity Ride.
It was unanimously decided that the soft toys would be distributed to the children of clients at The Salvation Army Western Australia Transitional Support Services (TSS).
The teddies will be given to the children at the clients’ Christmas party that TSS will host on 21 December in conjunction with youth support organisations Home Stretch and Morley.
“This is on top of the generous donations of presents that our services have already received for our clients’ children,” said Yuri D’Amico, team leader at TSS. “These gifts will bring so much joy to the lives of young people who would otherwise be facing a difficult Christmas.”
Transitional Support Services is a state-wide leaving care service that supports young people (ages 15-25) with an out-of-home care experience and walks alongside them as they continue their journey to independence.
“TSS is not just about support; it is about choice,” Yuri explained. “Participation in our program is completely voluntary.”
“Our passionate and dedicated youth workers provide case management, and the program also offers regular recreation activities such as camps, workshops and social activities. These activities are tailored to help young people to build a range of life skills in a way that is fun, creative and flexible.
“In addition to providing a supportive environment and practical skills, TSS also focuses on empowering young people to advocate for themselves. By fostering self-advocacy, we aim to ensure that when young people step out into the world, they do so with the self-assurance to navigate it on their terms.
“At TSS, young people are encouraged to be their true selves. We offer a safe space where we can form meaningful connections with both our team and peers. Together, we will strive for young people’s goals in an environment that is as focused on the future as it is on fun and friendship.”
