Project Bear Hugs

Project Bear Hugs

Project 2013-03-26 20:10:15 +1300

Help launch Bear Hugs, a campaign where just one bear can make a difference to vulnerable children suffering in adversity.

Winter's coming and a warm bear hug from a loyal friend offers personal comfort to those little ones enduring unbearably tough times from illness or insufferable neglect. Our child welfare statistics are a disgrace and I want to use my design skills, traditional values and sense of purpose to do something. Please help me grow this family of bears so we can begin our journey of giving today.

Rewards range from warm fuzzies, Bear Hugs gifts to families of Wonky Bears. Pledge now to make this happen. Bears, bubbles and more.. All pledgers will receive a special invitation to our Project Bear Hugs celebration reserved at a stunning waterfront venue in Tauranga, scheduled for June 2013.

Definition of hug: to clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace. To hold steadfastly to; cherish. To stay close to, to embrace or cling together closely, to comfort.

Philosophy

• For vulnerable children to inherit a lovingly hand knitted Wonky Bear of their own. A bff (bear friend forever) offering constant companionship and huggable unconditional love to help them through tough times and isolating moments.
• To honour these children with something new, of high quality, made with love with each child in mind.
• To knit up the largest population of quality, lovingly handmade Wonky Bears the world has ever seen, starting right here in New Zealand for our vulnerable littlies.
• To demonstrate that a quiet, constructive way of giving can be achieved amidst the painful realities of our current social and economic failings.
• Yes, one bear can make a difference.

Project Budget

• To start up, Project Bears Hugs requires $6,700 to complete my design & pattern templates, layout & sample makers kits, graphic design costs, procurement of materials, photograph & set up print products, meet printing costs and contribute to the first collection of handmade Wonky Bears to our deserving little folk in need.
• 8-10% is reserved for PledgeMe and bank transaction fees.
• Rewards are deducted from this budget.

Take Action

Let's knit it up and pass it forward. One pattern (that's the DNA), 3 sizes, quality controlled designer character bears made with love from within our communities. Every Bear Makers Kit sold gets our knitters clicking and clacking those needles, casting on with a child in mind. Can you bear it that there is a little one out there in distress or living in pain or fear going without an ever-present nurturing ally to help them through?

Pure NZ wool, pure love, pure respect, a new, designery and huggable, a bear friend forever (bff).

I made my first knitted bears for my son from a lovely pattern. My inapt knitting and inability to keep count of stitches, resulted in rather, well, 'wonky' treasure for my new born. Such wonkiness seemed to appeal and soon these imperfectly, huggable characters were in demand. So, I mapped my own DNA and Wonky Bears were born.

The story goes on but the abridged version is that I found two wonderful sisters who spun, knitted and nattered there way to supply me with the very first generation of Wonky Bears, now the Ambassadors for Bear Hugs. I invite you to help take this campaign live. Let's grow as many Wonky Bears as possible and let the giving begin!

This campaign has no limits, the journey goes where our energy flows.

With your support, we can grant the most powerful, huggable, kind, tear absorbing, pain carrying, flexible, forgiving, enduring and trustworthy, ever present and loving friend to a child or elderly person unable to access hugs and affection when in need.

What Next

I have been preparing for this project for some time now, as you can see my Wonky Bear Ambassadors are all waiting to walk the talk.

Once we reach our target, resources will accelerate the action plan as outlined in this project brief. While our knitters craft up each bear, communication with credible charities/organisations dedicated to working with children at risk or suffering serious illness, will be approached to join our network of recipients on behalf of the child. Due diligence and common sense will ensure that Bear Hugs go directly to the child for which they are intended (their name will be applied to the bear). As I mentioned earlier, this is a quiet constructive campaign and bear pledging to gifting is to be seamless and transparent. 

All transactions, nominations and bear requests will be via the website and individuals from the private sector may also participate for one or multiple bear pledges. We all know someone who could do with a hug!

Updates

As we progress, team members and campaign sponsors will be introduced. Keep an eye for these updates and other snips of information.

Thank you for your support, really, really! Can you imagine the faces of those each child about to huggle their Wonky Bear or the first time? I can, it's what drives me.

Susie Fogden, Project Bear Hugs

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