Children in stressful situations in Mid Canterbury now will have access to Smartybags, courtesy of Altrusa International of Ashburton.
The bags encourage fun and spark children’s imaginations and 500 of them were given to 12 organisations around the district.
Altrusa president Lorraine Tew said the bags were ideal distraction packs for children in stressful situations.
They were small, compact and engaging.
Each one included eight crayon colours, a sheet of stickers, a booklet to colour-in, board games and number games.
And they came in many themes including pets, Santa, party, cars, trains, princesses, mermaids, dinosaurs, pirates and fairies.
Tew said it was the first time the club had purchased the environmentally friendly and 100 per cent recyclable bags.
“The organisations were all very enthusiastic and very appreciative and sent letters of thanks noting that the bags will distract the children in their care and keep them busy in stressful situations,” she said.
A St John spokesperson said its operations team appreciated such donations as they were exceptionally helpful in situations when children were present.
“These packs have gone in our ambulances in Ashburton and Methven and are perfect for keeping kids calm and preoccupied in emergency situations.”
The Rakaia Volunteer Fire Brigade trucks and medical ute will also carry packs.
Brigade operation support member Bryan Scott said they can be given to young children at incidents to help distract them from what was happening and keep them calm.
‘‘This could include a medical event where our medical first responders are attending to a family member, or a nonserious motor vehicle crash,” Scott said.
At the Rakaia Medical Centre, staff have already begun handing out them out to children waiting long periods.
“They spend the entire time absorbed in the activities and therefore there was no stress for anyone,” a spokesperson said.
“We would love to buy more for our young clients to make waiting easy for them.”
Smartybags providing high-quality, engaging and educational activities for children from age 2-12 years.
