Give an Orphan a Teddy Bear - Pakistan

Through the worst of the pandemic and through the best of times, it is our most vulnerable who need the most protection.  The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus is affecting children in a way only previously feared but unproven.  Now, it is real.  While everyone is scrambling to protect their own kids, we as society must be there for the orphans.  They don't actually belong to anyone, which is a source of so much pain for them, but have the caretaking of the orphange.  We need to step in and say, "I remember you. You matter. Your life. Your health. Your safety. It is all important."

Thanks to your compassion, this project has grown and continues to grow bigger.  So many children who would otherwise be forgotten have been given teddy bears and something to love and to be loved by.  You are simply wonderful. 

Thank you so much for your generosity, and for being a part of this journey. For spreading smiles. For spreading joy. For making a difference.

With the pandemic, lockdowns, Sindh floods, we've been focusing our efforts on food rations and emergency supplies this past year. So are many others as well. This essentials make such a difference. However, it's when we give our teddies out that our heart feels a special tug, every single time we see the child smile, and it tugs even harder as we hear the words, "Is this really for me? Is this really mine?" These words are said with both disbelief and joy in such a poignant way, truly nothing compares.

Thank you so much for your generosity, and for being a part of this journey. For spreading smiles. For spreading joy. For making a difference.

There is immense joy is giving someone who has no one is the world a teddy bear to cuddle and love. We’ve now given out thousands and each orphan has a different story, a different personality, and always a unique smile and charm.

I know there is so much said about giving food and shelter, which our foundation does as well, but giving a child something to cuddle, something all his or her own, tugs the heart chords in ways I cannot begin to describe.

It’s such a humbling privilege to be able to personally hand these bears out. It simply wouldn’t be possible without your generosity and engagement is this project and mission.

Thank you!

Please do continue to give and spread the word.

Little Shoutoo (name changed), 6, is an orphan in Jamsharo, Pakistan. He feels safe and included in all orphanage activities. School, playtime and meals.  It's just when he's alone, he is usually reading a book. It's his way to get lost in another world and imagine what it would be like if he had a family of his own.  His favourite book is an American title, How Much Do I Love You.  Although his English is not very good, this chidlren's book is short and simply enough, with so few lines, that he reads it over and over again. He loves it best because it makes him believe in the impossible. That there is not only someone who loves him, but loves him soooooo much.

When he received his teddy, he was one of many children at the orphanage to be gifted one, but this felt different to him. When he held the bear close to his chest, his heart. He felt something inside of him move. Melt. Open.  He felt protective. He had never felt that emotion before. He knew the supervisors protected him all the time. His teachers too. But he had never felt the need to protect or look after anyone himself. He was still so small that he had never known that emotion. Once he cuddled the bear, however - his very own bear - he felt a strong need to protect this bear - his bear - from anything and everything.  He held the teddy closer and closer and knew a feeling of responsiblity and a need to care for something, for the very first time.  He also felt an overwhelming love for his little bear, who he called Shoutoo Beta (which means baby boy), after him.

Feeling so much love, he knew Shoutoo Beta loved him too.  Just like the book he so loved to read, he had found love. And love had found him.

Thank you for gifting a teddy to Shoutoo.  Please do give more so more orphans can experience this special feeling of having someone to loved and be loved by.

Starting today, September 14, GlobalGiving is matching all donations at 50% up to $50, until funds run out. So if you give USD 100 or more, your donation will be increased by $50.  That's 5 more bears, just for donating today!  Thank you!

At the time of our last report, we all that COVID-19 would be a short, passing phase. Now, three months later, it is still unsafe to touch grandparents, and for our orphans, they only thing they have cuddled or touched are the teddy bears you so generously donated. Thank you for this act of generosity!!!

Now, we are prepping for Eid and arranging candy boxes for 1077 orphans across Sindh and of course, always fundraise for teddies as they are want make the child feel loved.

Something safe for them to love and cuddle all they wish.

Because of your kind words of support and sharing of this project, we have been able to help more and more orphans - boys and girls with no one to love or hug in this world. God bless you!