Tender Teddies - Good Bears of the World Canada

At Good-Bears, we believe that the teddy bear can be a symbol of love, comfort and caring. Our goal is to put a teddy bear in the arms of anyone of any age who is suffering from terminal or chronic illness, has been traumatized, has been abused, is grieving or alone in the World - basically, anyone who is in need of comfort.

GBW was conceived and founded in England in 1969 by the late journalist and radio pioneer, James Theodore Ownby after having read a story, Bear With Me. The story tells of a man who dedicated himself to giving bears to hospitalized children. GBW was the first group to donate teddy bears to police departments in the early 80's and this programme has gained tremendous popularity over the last two decades. The first headquarter of GBW was located in Mr. Ownby's radio station in Hawaii. In 1991 the group relocated to Toledo, Ohio.

In the mid 90's GBW International signed on the Canadian dens as members and each den in Canada became autonomous. Each den was certified and has it's own charity registration with the Director of Charity of Canada in Ottawa. This gives the dens the rights to use the GBW program info and logo. GBWC is supported entirely by volunteers, membership and donations.

GBWC - Tender Teddies den was founded by our friend, Sharon Freeman. Sadly, Sharon passed away and the den was dormant until it was reactivated again in the spring of 2002. The new executive board consists of members with hearts as big as they come. They are talented, unflappable and extremely industrious. Thanks to Bev Vye from the Polar Den in Ontario, we were able to find a local supplier for our gifting bears. Unanimously we selected a brown-eyed sleepy looking fellow of soft terry who gives amazing hugs! These gifting teddies are also available for purchase and the proceeds goes to the den.

Since May 2002, we at the Tender Teddies den had been busy raising funds for our "Bear bank". Today our "Bear bank" is at a very healthy level. Our gifting bears had gone to the RCMP Victim and Witness units in several local communities, Langley Women's hospice society, children's hospital, CKNW Orphan's Christmas fund, the Fraser Valley Cancer unit and seniors centers. Our programme does not focus around the local community alone. We also provide bears to isolated or remote areas where there are no dens. It is easy to access our "Bear bank". You can contact a member in good standing with the den or become a member with the den yourself. There is no charge for the bears.

We believe that we can make a positive difference in the quality of life of people in need of comfort.

Annual membership fee is $15. You can also help by becoming a sponsor. Please contact us for more information. Click here for our Membership Form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is free to download.

e-mail:tenderteddies@hotmail.com
Fax: 604-244-8647
S-mail: GBWC - Tender Teddies
PO Box 26081, CRPO
Richmond, BC
Canada V6Y 3V3

		Contact \| Membership Form \| News
		At Good-Bears, we believe that the teddy bear can be a symbol of love, comfort and caring. Our goal is to put a teddy bear in the arms of anyone of any age who is suffering from terminal or chronic illness, has been traumatized, has been abused, is grieving or alone in the World - basically, anyone who is in need of comfort. GBW was conceived and founded in England in 1969 by the late journalist and radio pioneer, James Theodore Ownby after having read a story, Bear With Me. The story tells of a man who dedicated himself to giving bears to hospitalized children. GBW was the first group to donate teddy bears to police departments in the early 80's and this programme has gained tremendous popularity over the last two decades. The first headquarter of GBW was located in Mr. Ownby's radio station in Hawaii. In 1991 the group relocated to Toledo, Ohio. In the mid 90's GBW International signed on the Canadian dens as members and each den in Canada became autonomous. Each den was certified and has it's own charity registration with the Director of Charity of Canada in Ottawa. This gives the dens the rights to use the GBW program info and logo. GBWC is supported entirely by volunteers, membership and donations. GBWC - Tender Teddies den was founded by our friend, Sharon Freeman. Sadly, Sharon passed away and the den was dormant until it was reactivated again in the spring of 2002. The new executive board consists of members with hearts as big as they come. They are talented, unflappable and extremely industrious. Thanks to Bev Vye from the Polar Den in Ontario, we were able to find a local supplier for our gifting bears. Unanimously we selected a brown-eyed sleepy looking fellow of soft terry who gives amazing hugs! These gifting teddies are also available for purchase and the proceeds goes to the den. Since May 2002, we at the Tender Teddies den had been busy raising funds for our "Bear bank". Today our "Bear bank" is at a very healthy level. Our gifting bears had gone to the RCMP Victim and Witness units in several local communities, Langley Women's hospice society, children's hospital, CKNW Orphan's Christmas fund, the Fraser Valley Cancer unit and seniors centers. Our programme does not focus around the local community alone. We also provide bears to isolated or remote areas where there are no dens. It is easy to access our "Bear bank". You can contact a member in good standing with the den or become a member with the den yourself. There is no charge for the bears. We believe that we can make a positive difference in the quality of life of people in need of comfort. Annual membership fee is $15. You can also help by becoming a sponsor. Please contact us for more information. Click here for our Membership Form. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is free to download. e-mail:tenderteddies@hotmail.com Fax: 604-244-8647 S-mail: GBWC - Tender Teddies PO Box 26081, CRPO Richmond, BC Canada V6Y 3V3
		Contact \| Membership Form \| News