The Edmonton Valley Zoo has been participating in Dream Night since 2008. In partnership with the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the Edmonton Valley Zoo hosts over 2000 participants every year.
Over 700 stuffed animals are given away to deserving children. Before his passing in 2014 Dr. Milton Ness (The Zoo Veterinarian) had the idea of opening a Teddy Bear Hospital in conjunction with Dreamnight. EASAV made the idea come to life, and The Dr. Milton Ness Teddy bear Hospital was born.
All children are invited to bring out their injured or worn out Teddy bears for triage, diagnostic tests, and minor or surgical repairs. Stuffed animals are set up at different stations, and children can dress up as a Veterinarian and pretend to do surgical procedures, teeth cleaning and lots of other fun things. All children go home with a new stuffed animal they have adopted.
The team at Mission Ridge Animal have been proud to help with donating supplies for the hospital, collecting teddy bear donations, and having team members volunteer.
We are happy to say we will be participating again this year and encourage all who can to donate to this wonderful evening. We can’t wait to see the smiles on the children’s faces.
If you would like to help in any way, please contact Mission Ridge Animal Hospital reception at 780-458-3833. The event will be on Friday, June 7.
Click here to read more about the event.
Written by: Debra Briton, RVT
