On September 9, we celebrate Teddy Bear Day. If you are wondering, how was the creation of the teddy bear came about, here is the story behind this lovable toy. In 1902, American President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear cub while hunting in Mississippi. This event made national news. This prompted cartoonist, Clifford Berryman to publish a cartoon of the event in the Washington Post on November 16th, 1902. The caricature became an instant classic and inspired New York store owner, Morris Michtom. Mr. Michtom saw this as an excellent opportunity to create a new toy. He wrote to President Roosevelt to ask permission to name the new toy a “Teddy Bear.”
The Teddy Bear
The teddy bear is one of the most popular toys for children. They also hold a special place in many adults hearts too. From the day you’re born, you are gifted your first teddy bear. And you continue to receive teddy bears in your adult ages from loved ones on holidays like Valentine’s Day.
This cuddly stuffed animal deserves a day all to his own; therefore we celebrate Teddy Bear Day on September 9th. The teddy bear concept took off, with many bears becoming famous over the years. Famous bears include Paddington Bear, Rupert Bear, and, of course, Winnie the Pooh.
Best Corporate Events knows the value of the teddy bear. So we’ve included teddy bears in two of our charitable give back programs. Groups who participate in Bears and Blankets and Project Alzheimers™ learn the benefits that a teddy bear can bring to children and adults of all ages.
Two CSR Programs
Bears and Blankets is one of our 16 CSR programs. Our CSR programs are a wonderful combination of team motivational activities for charity. These activities create immediate, tangible results while boosting employee morale through the building and donation of memorable items for those in need.
Bears and Blankets feature Apple iPads® delivering a unique team building experience involving text, audio clues and exciting gaming challenges. All your teams’ activities are captured on Apple iPads that we provide. We will capture your group’s memories of this truly heartwarming event with photos and video of your teams in action.
During the event, as teams earn points, they will be choosing their bears and carefully stuffing them to huggable perfection. Bear-size t-shirts are skillfully designed and decorated by the artistic members of your group. Once these furry friends are created, they are dressed in their custom shirt thus giving them an identity all their own.
In addition, each team will use their creativity to swaddle the bears with warm, soft blankets. These blankets will help promote an added sense of security for the children receiving them. All the items made will then be delivered to crisis centers and law enforcement agencies that will distribute them to children who have experienced trauma.
Project Alzheimer’s™ is a unique charitable activity for teams from any company or organization. This program is designed to help people living with Alzheimer’s reawaken their souls through the simple and profound experience of listening to their favorite music. There is no greater reward than that! The film “Alive Inside,” which explores the connection between music and memory, inspired us. This connection is rooted in extensive neuroscience research, and the results can be nothing short of miraculous.
Fun and energizing music and memory-themed competitions will enable your group to earn MP3 players, stuffed animals, blankets and puzzle books for the elderly care packages. These musical favorites tap deep memories not lost to dementia and can bring residents and clients back to life. It enables them to feel like themselves again, to converse, socialize and stay present. The organization receiving your donation trains elderly care professionals on how to set up the MP3 players for those in their care.
Giving Back Has Never Been This Fun!
Donating items that can change people’s quality of life will touch your group’s hearts and elevate morale. CSR programs create lasting memories that can later be shared via a link to the photos/videos captured on the iPads!
Whenever possible, a representative from the organization receiving your gifts will address your group and thank them for their generous donation. The possibilities are endless for Bears and Blankets and Project Alzheimer’s. The outcome is always the same. A proud team of employees helping children to know someone cares.
So if you still have your childhood teddy, which recent studies have suggested more than 40% of people do, then don’t forget to give your teddy a big hug on this special day and celebrate your childhood friend!
Sources:https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/teddy-bear-day
