Leo the Teddy is roaring his way around the Sunshine Coast, inviting people to attend a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, with proceeds to be donated to people with dementia at Nambour Hospital.

Organised by Wishlist, Sunshine Coast locals will have the chance to enjoy a fun day out with the family, while raising money for a very worthwhile cause. The not-for-profit organisation is partnering with Just Better Care Sunshine Coast to host the event this National Grandparents Day.

Families are invited to head down to Cotton Tree Park on Sunday, 29 October to experience a fun-filled morning of activities and experiences.

There will be no shortage of entertainment on the day with farm animals, puppet shows, a jumping castle, face painting and more. Billy Slaters’ Buddies will drop by giving people a chance to play kick-to-kick and make the most of the spring weather.

And for those more musically inclined, Girl Friday, a recent addition to the Sunshine Coast jazz and blues scene will also be performing some of their smooth covers and original hits.

The Grandparents’ Day Teddy Bears’ Picnic event is hoping to raise $30,000 to be donated to the new Acute and Restorative Care unit at Nambour Hospital. The money will go towards installing new fittings, furnishing and equipment to promote a dementia friendly environment.

The update could not come sooner for local residents, with the number of dementia cases on the rise; the current figure is expected to double by 2030.

Partnering with the local community since 1998, Wishlist is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of those living on the Sunshine Coast through fundraisers and charity events. Since its inception the organisation has raised more than $16 million towards the Sunshine Coast local healthcare system.

Just Better Care Sunshine Coast franchise owner Tony Sandy is proud to be sponsoring another inclusive organisation that also champions community values and treats everyone with integrity and dignity.

“We became familiar with Wishlist through our local community hospital. They raise over one million dollars a year, which goes straight into the health needs of the Sunshine Coast. They are a vital part of our community,” he said.

Wishlist Chief Executive Officer Lisa Rowe explained the importance of their latest project, emphasising the difference it would make for elderly patients most in need.

“It is important that we have a sense of the person before their diagnosis, to better understand their life and achievements. This enables us to tailor activities to patient’s interests and hobbies.  We want to create stimulating environments that relate to a patient’s life experiences,” Ms Rowe said.

The event itself is expected to be a great success with events planned to entertain the whole family. Children are encouraged to take their favourite teddy along for the day, but visitors will also be given the chance to buy their own Just Better Care and Wishlist Bear and handmade rug.

 “Grandparents are a great contributor to our community and we want to do all we can to support them,” Tony said.

“We’re expecting over 500 people to attend. There’s going to be a lot to keep the whole family entertained.”

Tickets will be sold at the door however, people are encouraged to purchase their ticket through the Wishlist website. The event will be held from 9am to 12pm, tickets are $10 per person and include food and drinks vouchers that can be used at vendors at the picnic.

Sunshine Coast families are encouraged to come on down to Cotton Tree Park this Sunday 29 October to make some memories this Grandparent’s Day.

To find out more about this event, visit the Wishlist website.