The skies over Moose Jaw were filled with courage and compassion as members of the Moose Jaw Police Service strapped into tandem harnesses and leapt from 7,500 feet in support of Teddy Bears Anonymous.

The third annual Jump for Charity fundraiser took place Sept. 6 at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, bringing together two fundraising teams — Pool A, made up of Saskatchewan EMS members, and Pool B, represented by the Moose Jaw Police Service. Both pools spent months raising money for the non-profit, which provides teddy bears to children in Saskatchewan hospitals and during emergency responses.

Const. Sarah Kristy was one of three MJPS officers who took part in this year’s jump. For her, the experience was not only exhilarating, but also deeply meaningful.

“Incredible. Once in a lifetime, and incredible,” she said about the experience moments after touching down. “I’m definitely signing up for the ground school. I want to do that every day for the rest of my life.”

Kristy connected her skydive with the fear sick children often face when undergoing medical procedures.

“To experience something that’s kind of on par with the fear that some of these kids are feeling going in to do these operations and these medical treatments, alone — that’s terrifying for a child,” she said. “Just to see the reaction of the kids holding the bears, just hugging them super tight … you feel less stress, and the research backs that as well.”

She added that the sanitized teddy bears, which can be brought into operating rooms, offer a small but powerful comfort during difficult times.

“What Luke (Lawrence) is doing is probably saving a lot of children from a lot of trauma down the road,” Kristy said. “So what a great reason to jump out of a plane.”

For Kristy, the cause resonates both as a mother and as a police officer.

“As a mom first, and then as an officer second, I can say that the value of this is immeasurable,” she said. “We have a chance here. We have an opportunity to make them feel better.”

Teddy Bears Anonymous was founded 17 years ago by Luke Lawrence in memory of his daughter who passed away from cancer. Since then, the volunteer-run charity has handed out more than 205,000 teddy bears across the province.

“This is probably one of our biggest and ‘funnest’ fundraisers we’ve got …,” Lawrence said, adding a little good-spirited word play. “It’s called Jump for Charity, and it has become an annual event. This is year number three.”

Lawrence said the event had raised just over $21,000 prior to the jump, with donations still being accepted on behalf of both pools in the friendly competition.

“The hospitals are open 365 days a year, and the charity operates 365 days a year,” he said. “Donate — every $5 buys a factory-sealed teddy bear for a sick child.”

Kristy said she hopes to keep working with the charity, whether in the air or on the ground.

“Moose Jaw Police Service is a very proud participant of this charity. We encourage all … to please dig deep into your pockets and give, because you can donate all year round. These donations matter, and they matter to the people who deserve it the most, and that’s our kids,” she said.

To donate or learn more, visit TeddyBearsAnonymous.ca.

Aaron Walker

Reporter

Moose Jaw Express