H’art Studio volunteer makes 20 masked teddy bears for children in care

June Methot is an 88-year old long-time H’art Centre Volunteer who has made 20 masked teddy bears for the children served by Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington (FACSFLA). She presented the gift to Sonia Gentile, Executive Director of FACSFLA, on May 27, 2021. Methot made all the teddy bears by hand, and H’art Studio artist Karen Olivier helped her attach the masks.

“June has been a friend of H’art Centre since we started. That is more than 20 years of friendship. We started on the corner of Brock and Montreal in a building provided by the Sisters of Hotel Dieu. June was there sewing curtains, making costumes, and painting walls. She extended a hand of kindness to the H’artists whenever they needed it. She facilitated our first substantial donation from the Civitan Club in 2001. She never stops giving,” said Katherine Porter, Executive Director of H’art Centre. 

H’art Centre is a not-for-profit organization that provides artists with disabilities and those facing barriers with opportunities to create, study and produce artworks and collaborate with qualified and trained community artists. The center launched H’art Studio in 1998, a program that facilitates artistic skill-building workshops led by trained, professional local artists and arts educators for adults with disabilities.

“It’s what I do and like to do,” said Methot. She wants to make sure that children at FACSFLA have “something to hug and relate to.”

FACSFLA envisions that the best place for kids to grow up is their own family. That’s why their primary goal is to keep families in crisis together. 

“We are grateful to collaborate with community partners such as H’art Centre and their supporters. We are serving all children, youth and families together,” said Sonia Gentile, Executive Director, FACSFLA.

“On behalf of children and youth who receive service from the agency, we are excited to accept this donation. The talent and creativity that goes into each hand-sewn bear will provide comfort to those who may be experiencing a challenging and traumatic time in their young lives.”