Operation Teddy Bear aims to achieve a new World Record of gathering the biggest row of teddy bears ever. The goal is to raise funds for two charities.
Operation Teddy Bear was launched last month. The event will take place at the Alvechurch Party in the Park, Redditch Standard reports. The goal is to gather at least 4014 teddy bears to beat the current World Record.
The organizer is the family of Finlay Church who in June last year was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most aggressive malignant primary brain tumour which is rare in children. His family has already collected 19 000 pounds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Brain Tumour Research. The latest initiative is expected to raise more funds.
The idea of Operation Teddy Bear is more than simply gathering lots of teddy bears at one place. All of the participating teddy bears will be donated to children in need.
Drop-off points have already been made where willing participants can donate a teddy bear. They include the Morrisons in Redditch and Solihull, Kings Norton Rugby Club in Hopwood, Barnt Green Baptist Church, Alvechurch Library, the middle school, Crown Meadow First School, Cafe Moreso and Bear Headquarters – 85 Birmingham Road, Alvechurch.
It is important to note that only teddy bears can participate. Other stuffed animals can’t be counted towards the record.
“There are literally bears, bears, everywhere, but we still need more and there is now just four weeks to go so we want anyone who can help donate a teddy to drop them off at one of the points”, the family tells the newspaper.
As well as people dropping off teddy bears, celebrities have also been posting their pictures of themselves with the cuddly toys to show their support for Operation Teddy Bear. Amongst them are Dame Kelly Holmes, Angela Griffin, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Hodgson, Olly Murs and so on.
The Church family are saying there is still time to participate. All you need to do is take a teddy bear to a drop-off. Or if you want, you can donate to the event by visiting www.justgiving.com/teams/finlaysjourney or text btmr99 and the amount for Brain Tumour Research or bchh99 followed by the amount for the Children’s Hospital to 70070. Details are available at the www.operationteddybear.co.uk website too. For more, e-mail contact@operationteddybear.co.uk.
