Epilespy Action Australia launches The Million Dollar Teddy Bear to fund care for 250,000 Australians with Epilepsy

Epilepsy Action Australia have launched “The Million Dollar Teddy Bear” in the hope of finding one amazing philanthropist or corporation hero with a heart of gold, to buy him for $1,000,000.

Why a teddy bear? Well, one of the many wonderful things Epilepsy Action Australia does is to send young kids with epilepsy their own Cuddly Ted-E-Bear (the E stands for epilepsy), which helps them feel the love and support they can get in a very tangible way.

Like, Lila Wadelton, the inspiration behind The Million Dollar Teddy Bear.

In 2019, Lila was diagnosed with epilepsy after experiencing a series of full tonic-clonic seizures, along with up to forty absence seizures a day. She was just six-years-old at the time so her family knows first-hand the amazing support Epilepsy Action Australia offers, and why their services need to continue. Her Cuddly Ted-E-Bear is a cherished possession. And she hopes that someone will buy the Million Dollar Teddy Bear so all the other people in Australia who have epilepsy like her can experience the kindness she felt from the wonderful people at Epilepsy Action Australia.

With this million dollars Epilepsy Action Australia will be able to provide:
– Support for people with epilepsy of all ages, from very young children and their families,
– Seven day a week phone support, with a trained nurse at the end of the,
– Epilepsy education for the broader community,
– Campaigning for new treatments,
– and raising awareness of epilepsy and its impact.

Every March Epilepsy Action Australia holds Purple Day, their major fundraising event for the year. Unfortunately, this year it coincided with the shutdown of society with the COVID-19 virus.

This meant a major funding shortfall which is threatening services. Because epilepsy didn’t stop for COVID. It marched ever onwards with increased need. And knowing that much of Australia has been affected financially by COVID, the Million Dollar Teddy Bear instead aims to find one generous donation to make a world of difference.

The Million Dollar Teddy Bear has been outfitted by 2019 National Designer of the year Christian Kimber (whose brother has epilepsy), with bespoke designed garments, expertly stitched by hand, so he truly does look like a million bucks!

The Million Dollar Teddy Bear launched via a microsite at milliondollarteddybear.com with a minute long video voiced by renowned Australian actor Nadine Garner. Already celebrities such as Tommy Little, Russel Howcroft, Melissa Doyle, Lachy the purple Wiggle, former Socceroo captain Paul Wade, Jessica Rowe, and Peter FitzSimons have leant their support for the cause.

With thanks to all the incredible people and companies who donated their time generously for this important cause.

To purchase The Million Dollar Teddybear, visit the website: https://milliondollarteddybear.com/

TEDDY BEAR FASHION DESIGNER: Christian Kimber
DESIGNER: Christian Kimber
PRODUCER: Renuka Kimber
PATTERN-MAKER: Linda Rogers
SEAMSTRESS/DRESSMAKER: Lucy Nguyen
OVERCOAT FABRIC SUPPLIED BY: Loro Piana Fashion
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jay Hynes (Teddy Bear), Adam Luttick (Lila with Teddy Bear)
CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR LAUNCH VIDEO: Jay Hynes
POST-PRODUCTION: Future Pictures
EDITING OF LAUNCH VIDEO: Adam White
AUDIO PRODUCTION: Bang Bang Studios
AUDIO ENGINEER: Sam Hopgood
NARRATION: Nadine Garner
LOCATION FOR LAUNCH VIDEO: Rippon Lea Historic Mansion
LOGO DESIGN: Ed Bechervaise
WEBSITE DESIGN: From Little Things
ORIGINAL IDEA AND WRITER: Alex Wadelton
EPILEPSY ACTION AUSTRALIA
CEO: Carol Ireland
Executive & Brand Administrator: Linda Sheehan