A recent teddy bears picnic amid a field of sunflowers in Laois resulted in a big boost for Ukraine and Autism charities, and some lovely photographs too. Pictured were: Beth O'Regan, Hilary Treacy, Julie Kennedy, Isabelle Treacy, Vicky Flynn, Abagail Ryan and Evie Kennedy. Photo: Michael Scully. The organiser was Roisin O'Connell Hussey. "It went really well thankfully and served not only as a valuable fundraiser, but was a fun family day out for LOFFA and families in general and served as a morale booster for the Ukrainians, who were able to show case their talents and culture. The teddy bears' picnic was a big hit with the children, who enjoyed some old fashioned play with teddies and tea sets, while the field of sunflowers and cornflowers provided a lovely backdrop. "The final exact number is not in yet as LOFFA got some donations on line, but it is safe to say we raised just over €4,000. All money raised is going to Loffa and the Ukrainian refugees. "It was a lovely relaxed day for families and had the benefit of allowing people to mix and mingle and learn a little about each other along the way, in the company of a field of beautiful flowers," Roisin said. It was one of over 40 Laois Heritage Week events, supported by Laois County Council.

placeholder image — A recent teddy bears picnic amid a field of sunflowers in Laois resulted in a big boost for Ukraine and Autism charities, and some lovely photographs too. Pictured were: Beth O'Regan, Hilary Treacy, Julie Kennedy, Isabelle Treacy, Vicky Flynn, Abagail Ryan and Evie Kennedy. Photo: Michael Scully. The organiser was Roisin O'Connell Hussey. "It went really well thankfully and served not only as a valuable fundraiser, but was a fun family day out for LOFFA and families in general and served as a morale booster for the Ukrainians, who were able to show case their talents and culture. The teddy bears' picnic was a big hit with the children, who enjoyed some old fashioned play with teddies and tea sets, while the field of sunflowers and cornflowers provided a lovely backdrop. "The final exact number is not in yet as LOFFA got some donations on line, but it is safe to say we raised just over €4,000. All money raised is going to Loffa and the Ukrainian refugees. "It was a lovely relaxed day for families and had the benefit of allowing people to mix and mingle and learn a little about each other along the way, in the company of a field of beautiful flowers," Roisin said. It was one of over 40 Laois Heritage Week events, supported by Laois County Council.

IN PICTURES: Big total raised by teddybears and sunflowers charity picnic in Laois

By Lynda Kiernan

Reporter

Published 8th Sep 2022, 20:53 BST

Updated 12th Sep 2022, 11:33 BST

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Denis Foley and Louise Drew. Photo: Michael Scully.

1.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Denis Foley and Louise Drew. Photo: Michael Scully.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: LOFA volunteers - Mary Marshall, Sal O'Dwyer and Lizzy Walton. Back: Roisin Conroy, John Taylor, Sharon and Katie Powell and Aileen Ryan.. Photo: Michael Scully.

2.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: LOFA volunteers - Mary Marshall, Sal O'Dwyer and Lizzy Walton. Back: Roisin Conroy, John Taylor, Sharon and Katie Powell and Aileen Ryan.. Photo: Michael Scully.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Elora Ball and Emily Gallagher. Photo: Michael Scully.

3.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Elora Ball and Emily Gallagher. Photo: Michael Scully.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Catherine, Cliona and Eamonn O'Flanagan,Therese Ryan, Lauren and Olivia O'Flanagan wit dogs Rolo and Aero. Photo: Michael Scully.

4.

At the Teddy Bear's Picnic and Music Event at The Heath House in aid of Laois Offaly Families for Autism and Ukranian Refugees, were: Catherine, Cliona and Eamonn O'Flanagan,Therese Ryan, Lauren and Olivia O'Flanagan wit dogs Rolo and Aero. Photo: Michael Scully.