Teddy Bears Anonymous, one of 69 recipients of SaskTel TelCare support in 2016, provides 2000 teddy bears every month to hospitals in Regina and Saskatoon.

In Saskatchewan, we have a long history of helping each other out.  For anyone who has had a hospital stay, they know what an isolating and often unnerving experience it can be, and for small children it is even more difficult.

Luke and Jan Lawrence, both SaskTel retirees, empathize with the fear and loneliness that little children experience while in hospitals.  That’s why they started Teddy Bears Anonymous after the passing of Luke’s daughter, Erin Lawrence.  Since its beginning in December 2008, this registered charity has provided more than 95,000 teddy bears to sick children in nine hospitals throughout Saskatchewan.

“Our charity is 100 percent operated by volunteers,” said Jan.  “And 100 percent of the donations we receive go towards the purchase of teddy bears that we source directly from the manufacturer.”

“The teddy bears come in three different colours,” added Luke.  “Each teddy bear comes sealed and sterilized.  And because each bear is sterile, the children who receive the teddy bears can keep the bears with them throughout their stay in the hospital – even into surgery.  That kind of comfort and companionship means a lot to a small child.”

Teddy Bears Anonymous was one of 69 organizations across Saskatchewan that received over $290,000 of support in 2016 from SaskTel TelCare – a benevolent fund originally started in the 2950s by SaskTel employees to give a helping hand to people in our communities.  Over 1,100 SaskTel employees contribute regularly to SaskTel TelCare through payroll deduction, and SaskTel makes an additional donation of 50 cents for every employee dollar donated.

“Teddy Bears Anonymous received $5,000 from TelCare last year,” said Luke.  “Because of that, we were able to buy an additional 1,250 teddy bears in 2016.  We’re certainly grateful for this help by SaskTel employees and the company, too.”

For more information about Teddy Bears Anonymous, visit: http://www.teddybearsanonymous.ca/