enCOURAGE KIDS FOUNDATION and FAO SCHWARZ

enCourage Kids Foundation realizes that being sick can be a very traumatic and frightening experience. To help ease the pain, they have teamed up with FAO Schwarz for an exciting new collaboration. Read on to learn all about the exciting endeavor.

FAO Schwarz is known for their plush, adorable teddy bears.  Now they’ve teamed up with enCourage Kids Foundation to bring some magic to kids in need. The iconic Toy Store and enCourage have designed a new, high-quality plush Bear for enCourage Kid Foundation’s Send a Smile, Send a Bear program.

As one of enCourage Kids Foundation’s cornerstone programs, they deliver stuffed animal Bears nationwide to help pediatric patients navigate the stress of treatment, illness, and hospitalization. It is a vital resource in supporting kids during painful procedures, long hours of waiting, and any time when they need a reassuring hug while away from the comforts of home. The Bear is also a powerful tool in fostering coping skills, preparing for medical procedures, and educating about diagnoses.

enCourage Kid Foundation’s Send a Smile, Send a Bear Program Video:

FAO has always inspired wonder and awe in kids of all ages. This inspiring collaboration is a commitment to creating a better future for brave boys and girls. I was thrilled to attend the ribbon cutting event for this new initiative at FAO Schwarz in New York City. Please enjoy some of these photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Teddy:

Bringing comfort and warmth to children around the world, these bears are the perfect huggable companions. The beautiful, plush Teddy with the lovely purple ribbon will retail for $45. It is available at the iconic FAO Schwarz store and FAO.com. A portion of the proceeds from each bear sold will go to the enCourage Kids Foundation. If you would like to send a bear directly to a child in need, you can visit:  https://encourage-kids.org/send-a-bear/

About enCourage Kids Foundation:

For nearly 40 years, enCourage Kids has invested upwards of $50 Million dollars to help medically challenged kids and their families face some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Bringing comfort and warmth to children around the world, these bears are the perfect huggable companions. More than 37,000 cuddly Bears have made their way into the arms of hospitalized children since the Send a Smile, Send a Bear program began in 2009.

About FAO Schwarz: 

FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest, most historic, and iconic toy brands in the world. FAO Schwarz opened its first doors in 1862. A marvelous, bountiful emporium full of extraordinary, one-of-a-kind toys from all over the world. Founded by Frederick August Otto Schwarz, FAO Schwarz has always been synonymous with quality and innovation. It offers cherished memories for generations of adults and children. FAO Schwarz has always been known for the “theater of it all,” where toys meet deep nostalgia. FAO has been delivering wonder to families for over 160 years. Celebrating awe and discovery for all children and the child inside all of us.