Glen Park-based knitter and crafter Jodi Passalick is always working on a number of projects at a time.

Scrolling through Pinterest about six months ago she saw a teddy bear pattern that she decided to try out.

Knitting each teddy took about two days and during the process she decided she would donate the teddies to her local fire brigade.

Ms Passalick said Glen Park Fire Brigade had helped her family several times over the years, including saving a family home during a bushfire in 1997.

Whether it is a tree falling over a road, a fire, car accident or a cat up a tree, she said the brigade was always first at a scene to help the community, as well as putting up their hands for deployments elsewhere in the state or interstate when needed.

IN OTHER NEWS

Glen Park Fire Brigade Lieutenant Brian Webber said the brigade responded to many incidents and at times children were unfortunately involved.

"Kids get traumatised really easily. Even a pet cat up a tree or down a drain can really stress a kid out," he said.

While the CFA have trauma teddies available, they are pricey and a cost the small rural brigade cannot justify.

"We can't afford it. As a small country brigade we put everything we've got into equipment for the brigade."

He has seen the impact of a firefighter handing a child a teddy to cuddle to distract them from the trauma of an incident and while he hopes they will not need to use them he is also thrilled his brigade's members will now have them available.

"It helps to take their minds off what's happening and to settle them down," he said. "Then we can get on with the job."

Ms Passalick vowed to keep knitting the teddies for the brigade in future if required.

The brigade, which has about 26 active members, is located in a growth zone and covers a fairly large area including Glen Park, Brown Hill, Nerrina and almost up to Creswick.

Lieutenant Webber said the community had always been exceptionally supportive of the brigade and it was much-appreciated.

Our team of local journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the Ballarat community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: