Inside Perú

Inmates Knit Teddy Bears For Children In Perú

Inmates at the Newfoundland & Labrador Correctional Center for Women in Clarenville, Canada have been making teddy bears for children in Perú as part of Teddies for Tragedies.

The United Kingdom based program provides a knitting pattern on its website, then inmates do the rest.

Once children receive the toys, pictures of them holding their bears are sent to the correctional institute.

An inmate named Jill says seeing the pictures gives her a sense of purpose.

"There's people across the world that are liking and wanting you to be doing what you're doing right now, versus when you were doing things on the outside before you got in trouble. You felt useless to society, and now you don't".

"You know, to see them hugging on to their little bears, and knowing that's probably the only toy they've had for a while, it really puts life in perspective," said Jill.

Officials at the jail said the program is a positive step in the rehabilitation of inmates.

Correctional officer Judy Bursey–Currie said being involved in Teddies for Tragedies helps inmates stay out of trouble once they're released.

"They've grown up in pretty sad environments. So to instill in them, something positive, and allow them to be part of something positive is a big part of the rehabilitation," said Bursey–Currie.

According to its website, Teddies for Tragedies has provided hundreds of thousands of toys to children around the world since 1985.

Rebeca's Visit

We have learned that Rebeca Massõn has arrived recently in the United States for seasonal work.

She will be working at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort near Farmington, Pennsylvania.

Rebeca will be working in Pennsylvania until returning home to Lima, Perú in mid March.  She plans to return back home in time to continue her studies.

Our prayers will be with her as she travels.

Perú In Motion