The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is partnering with a pair of school aged cousins to bring stuffed animals to kids in crisis.

Late last year, 10 year old Madison Vanderhooft and her mom, Alex, approached the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service to help them bring "cuddles" (stuffed animals) to children being transported by ambulance or witnessing a loved one as they are taken to hospital.

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     Photo supplied by Colleen Houde

"I was reading an article in a magazine about a girl who donated her own stuffed animals to the local fire station," said Madison Vanderhooft. "I was inspired to do something . I thought it would be good for the community and the city to pitch in.

Madison then told her 13 year old cousin, Cameron Houle, who attends Calvin Christian Collegiate about her idea, he immediately set to work starting the program in his own school.

Together the duo have donated 140 freshly cleaned, new and gently used stuffed animals to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.  

The stuffed animals will ride along in city ambulances and be handed out by emergency personnel to children in emergency situations.