A skateway team came through for one boy who wanted to reunite with his precious stuffed Bambi toy.
The 4-year-old Nico Lavallee whose favorite plush toy, a Bambi named Rudolph, fell into the frozen waters of Ottawa’s Rideau Canal during a walk with his mom and siblings, was sad that Rudolph was buried by the snow.
His 2-year-old sibling Santiago accidentally tossed Rudolph over the railing. His mom wasn’t sure if anyone would like to help them get the toy, but her older son encouraged his mom to ask for help on social media.
The response showed the family that there are still kind and loving people who want to help without expecting anything in return.
Skateway Team Helps Boy Reunite with His Plush Bambi
The plush toy was near the distance marker sign so it was practically impossible to get to it.
The family went to the location frequently and with each passing visit, Rudolph was becoming more and more buried by the snow.
Brenda Duke realized from her 6-year-old son Sebastian that social media has helped plenty of people in the past for different causes. This is when he urged her to try the same.
Brenda wasn’t sure about this move at first because she didn’t want to bother people. And, she thought no one would actually care for a toy.
She needed more time but she eventually tried it. She shared a photo of Rudolph’s last location and reached out to Twitterverse.
“If anyone happens to see a stuffie reindeer once the canal opens, my kids would be grateful. Toddler’s brother threw it in. I know it’s unlikely since they clear snow so it will be even more buried but my 6-year-old asked me to post here 🙂 they come to visit it on our daily walks now, it’s the little mount you see.”
The Post Reaches the Right Audience
The “desperate” call to save Rudolph reached the National Capital Commission and their skateway squad went to the rescue. After hours of relentless searching, the team found the stuffie. It’s safe and sound, they were just waiting for it to defrost and deliver it to the family.
After it thawed, they groomed the toy so that it’s ready for the reunion with Nico and the whole family. Brenda was so grateful and said how you just have to ask because people do care.
Brenda realized through this experience that assuming someone doesn’t care is what adults usually do; however, children are there to remind us that others have our back and that others care.
It was a heartwarming experience, she added.
Sources: