The YF Wives of Weyburn made a very special donation to the Southeast Regional Victim Services program. The YF Wives donated 50 Beaumont Bears, little stuffed plushies that look very much like Beaumont, the comfort dog employed by the Southeast Regional Victim Services program. These Beaumont Bears even wear little service-dog vests, just like Beaumont himself.
“Beaumont is our Trauma Intervention canine dog. He has lots of roles to play, but his main purpose is to act as a testimonial aid for children who have to be in the courtroom,” said Tara Busch, coordinator with the Southeast Regional Victim Services program. “He provides a comfort for those children, in a time when they might need that support.”
“We also use Beaumont in the Weyburn Police Station office, when there are children or adults who have to make a victim statement.”
“Beaumont is drawn to people who have high stress or anxiety. So when he notices someone who has high stress, he is there for them and provides comfort for them to help lower their blood pressure and lower their anxiety,” said Busch.
There are also times when Beaumont is called out to a scene of a traumatic incident, when there is a need for him to provide comfort to someone. “He has been a wonderful addition to the program for the past two years.”
“Our donation started awhile back, when we had contacted Tara Busch about our Comfort Bears project. She was interested, so we purchased 50 Beaumont Bears,” said Marla McCormick, YF Wives representative.
“I just think that these Beaumont Bears are really important, so that they can be handed over to children who are going through a time of trouble. I know that Beaumont comforts these children when they need him, and now they can take a little plushie dog home with them,” said McCormick.
“We have had children who have spent time with Beaumont who come back to the station, because they want to spend more time with him. So these Beaumont Bears will be a positive thing during a difficult time in their lives,” said Busch.
The Southeast Regional Victim Services program is one of four programs in Canada that is now able to offer Beaumont Bears to those clients in need.
