McFrugal’s Donation Will Bring Comfort To Children During Emergencies

From left, Olena and Angela from McFrugal’s with Vermilion Fire Chief Anton Krys with the Teddy Bears. Photos submitted

More than 150 teddy bears are heading into the hands of local first responders, thanks to a donation from McFrugal’s aimed at bringing comfort to children during some of their most difficult moments.

On January 26, Town of Vermilion Fire Chief Anton Krys met with McFrugal’s staff at the store’s new Lakeland Mall location to accept the donation. The teddy bears will be distributed among emergency services serving the Town and County of Vermilion, including Victim Services, the RCMP, Sheriffs, ambulance services and fire departments.

“We use the teddy bears to help calm and distract young children during emergency situations,” said Krys. “We would like to thank McFrugal’s for this kind and thoughtful donation.”

McFrugal’s manager Angela Yarmuch said the decision to donate to emergency services was an easy one, knowing how often first responders encounter children during stressful and traumatic events.

“I know that they give out bears to help children during these very stressful times, and I wanted to support them in that,” said Yarmuch. “It’s very important to do anything we can to help children through these difficult moments.”

The donation was part of a broader initiative by McFrugal’s after the company acquired thousands of teddy bears. The company encouraged each store to donate the bears to a cause of their choice, ranging from first responders and hospitals to women’s resource centres and community gift drives.

Dean a representative for McFrugal’s noted that Yarmuch has fully embraced her role as a first-time store manager and has taken initiative within the community since opening the Vermilion location. He added that he is looking forward to seeing what she brings to the store’s upcoming grand opening.

For local emergency services, the bears represent more than a simple gift. They are a small but meaningful tool that helps ease fear and provide reassurance to children when they need it most.