By Kathy Johnson
What began as a Grade 2 project has turned into a mission of compassion and hope for seven year old Josh Perry, Doctor’s Cove.
Last spring Perry and his classmates were given an assignment to do a project on someone who has made a difference in the community. Perry chose to do his project on Shelley d’Eon, founder of the Rosalin Nickerson CARE Fund.
As part of the project, d’Eon visited Perry’s class and talked with the students. After thanking Perry, d’Eon handed him an envelope that contained five dollars and a note that challenged him to see what he could with the money to make a difference.
“He thought about it for three months,” said mom Shelley, hanging on to the money until he came up with the idea to purchase five little bears at a local dollar store, decorate them with a ribbon and a card, and give them to five seniors living in the Meadows nursing home in Yarmouth.
“Hi, My name is Josh Perry. I’m 7 years old. I was given a challenge to make a difference. So I have chosen a “beary” special lady to share this Teddy Bear with in the hopes that it might brighten you day,” reads the card attached to the bear designed for a female recipient.
One of the first bears given out went to Perry’s great grandmother Florence Royal, who lives at the Meadows. The other four were given to four other residents. Touched by the gesture, one recipient gave Perry $5 to buy more bears.
As word got out, donations for Josh’s Caring Bears began coming in from family members and friends. Perry also got a helping hand from local business Cyber Geek, who assisted with designing and printing the cards.
As of last week, Perry had delivered 20 bears, had another 56 ready to be given out, and money enough to buy 100 more.
Perry’s initial goal was to be able to give a bear to every resident in the Meadows. With enough bears on hand to fulfill that goal, Perry has now set the bar at $300, with Bay Side Home residents next on the list.
Perry has also given his caring bears to cancer patients and neighbours.
“He gives them to anybody he feels deserves one or needs one and it would brighten their day,” said Shelley.
