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Teddy Bear Hugs

Imagine giving someone a smile, a moment of comfort, a hug that warms even the hardest days.

Teddy Bear Hugs invites children, young people and adults to give a soft toy to someone in a particularly vulnerable situation: young hospital patients, children growing up in orphanages, young refugees in war-torn areas, or older people.

A simple teddy bear can become a faithful companion, bringing peace, hope and a little magic.

The initiative began in 2004 with Children of the Earth, to bring a cuddly hug to children affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Since then, this act of kindness has travelled around the world, reaching children in Louisiana, Africa, Haiti and several Middle Eastern countries.

Today the programme continues to grow through cooperation between Children of the Earth and Living Peace International.

Objectives

  • Bring joy and hope to children going through difficult times.
  • Raise young people’s awareness of conflict and hardship, encouraging them to become peacebuilders.
  • Encourage children and young people to organise their own local teddy bear collection.
  • Empower young people through a simple act of giving.

Activities

  1. Organise a collection in your class, school or group.
  2. Each teddy bear can become a messenger of peace: write a short letter, a positive thought or a special wish and tie it around its neck.
  3. These little ambassadors will reach children in war zones, hospitals or orphanages, near you or far away.
  4. Take inspiration from Campbell’s example (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ORRwCwz2c) and let your imagination and your heart guide you.

Deadline

The initiative is always open: any time is the right time to give a hug.

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