B.C. Girl Guides have been supplying knitted and crocheted bears to children in B.C. Children's Hospital, Ronald MacDonald House, and various community hospitals and organizations throughout B.C. for about 18 years. It was modeled after a similar program organized by Ontario Girl Guides.

These delightful handmade bears are used in child protection Units, by R.C.M.P. detachments, Victim Assistance Services, and trauma units.

These bears are made by Guiding members, Trefoil Guild members, and friends of Guiding. Each bear displays a tag (we call them birth marks) that says "BECAUSE WE CARE B.C. Girl Guides." Our bears provide companionship to children during their time of trauma. These children have often been brought to the care facility because they have been injured, abused, neglected or traumatized. The teddy bears provide tremendous comfort to the children in need. Each child chooses his/her own unique teddy bear and it becomes his/her own to keep and love forever. Consequently, the supply never exceeds the demand.

Criteria for Bears

• knitted or crocheted
• stuffed with allergy-free fiberfill
• no sewn on buttons or plastic eyes
• washable
• made with love for children in distress.

Knitted Teddy Bear Pattern

Crocheted Teddy Bear Pattern