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Teddy Bears' Picnic 'like a family reunion'

Tuesday 28th May, 2024

If you went down to Sydney Adventist Hospital recently, you were in for a big surprise.

It was the day New South Wales' largest private hospital hosted its Teddy Bears' Picnic!

The annual event, held in May in the grounds of the Wahroonga Estate, celebrates new parents, grandparents, and the medical staff who help bring life into the world.

The hospital, also known as the San, has been delivering babies for over 100 years – that's more than 100,000 bundles of joy.

Adventist HealthCare CEO Brett Goods said the Teddy Bears' Picnic was "more like a family reunion", with midwives, doctors, parents, grandparents, and babies all there to catch up.

"It's a really special occasion, and we're always quite overwhelmed at how much people love the opportunity to come back," he said.

"In recent years the hospital has delivered more than 2,000 babies annually, and for many of our maternity staff this event is a highlight of their year."

Popular children's entertainers The Beanies performed live on stage for the delighted crowd, and there was also plenty of fun with face painting, games, and play equipment.

For the mums and dads, there were also stalls both giving away and selling a variety of treats, products, and gifts.

By midday, there were a few tired teddy bears who went home to have a nap.

But hopefully they will all return for next year's picnic celebrations.