Can-Do Kids: Hailey Scott

Along with my bits and pieces on what I’ve learnt as a writer (what works for me and how this can help other authors), and my ‘Authors in the Limelight’ interviews, I want to start up a blog post series on kids who make a difference. Since I’m writing young adult fiction, my target audience is made up of tweens and teens (and hopefully a mix of adults), so I wanted to shine the light on those kids who make this world a little more brilliant. So grab a pair of sunglasses – you just might need them!

Meet Hailey Scott. She is better known as the teddy bear girl. In 2005, Hailey Scott sat on Santa’s knee and asked him for something. No toy or treat for her would suffice – instead, Hailey asked Santa Claus to remember the less fortunate children in the world who didn’t have a teddy bear to love or call their own. But rather than wait for Santa’s help, Hailey jumped into action and started Hailey’s Wish – collecting stuffed bears and animals to give to children who aren’t fortunate enough to have their own.

Now eleven years old, Hailey Scott is one busy young girl. Going into its sixth annual teddy bear campaign, Hailey’s Wish has collected and donated over 3,000 stuffed toys. That’s 3000 hugs and smiles! Some of Hailey’s bears have made their way overseas to children in war torn countries. Although she doesn’t get to meet the children who receive the bears she collects, Hailey has heard plenty of stories about them that have touched her heart. One child – who received a teddy bear in the hospital – still sleeps with it to this day. Another child who had cancer received a big fluffy bear. He had it with him throughout his treatments, and was buried with it.  Although this news made Hailey cry, it made her realize that something so small can make such a big difference in the lives of others.

Now that is true magic. And that is the spirit of giving. If you’d like to help out Hailey with her teddy bear cause, please check out her facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6077749145&v=wall                     

Photo credit: www.whatsupmuskoka.com