Build-A-Bear Workshop and Disney Create Winnie the Pooh Line for Charity

Build-A-Bear Workshop and Disney Send Winnie the Pooh On A Starlight Starbright Adventure

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Press Release
5/25/2007

With the help of his beary special friends at Build-A-Bear Workshop and The Walt Disney Company, Winnie the Pooh is on a mission to bring special comfort and friendship to children in need of a friend during hospital stays. Thousands of make-your-own Winnie the Pooh plush bears will be sent to children's hospitals in three countries through the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.

Each time a Guest makes a Winnie the Pooh of their own (valued at $20 USD, $30 CAD, GBP 18 UK) at a Build-A-Bear Workshop location and online at buildabear.com, they are asked to make another one, at no charge, to be donated to a young Starlight Starbright child at a local children's hospital. This fabulous promotion will take place at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom through June 30, 2007.

Starlight Starbright is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities.

"Starlight Starbright understands what children and families go through when a child in the family is hospitalized due to a serious illness, and so we are delighted to partner with Build-A-Bear Workshop and Disney on this campaign," said Paula Van Ness, CEO of Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. "It provides an easy opportunity for children and families around the globe to participate in a simple act of kindness and know that they will make a child's hospital stay much brighter."

"Winnie the Pooh represents friendship and the simple joys of childhood, making him the perfect character to be a part Build-A-Bear Workshop's 'A Year of Friendship' campaign," said Jeff Hoffman, vice president, Disney Worldwide Outreach. "For more than 80 years, Winnie the Pooh has brought a smile to young and old and we hope that he can do the same for the children and families of the Starlight Starbright Foundation."

The Winnie the Pooh promotion is part of year-long activities in cele-bear-ation of the 10th Birthday of Build-A-Bear Workshop. Throughout 2007, titled "A Year of Friendship," Build-A-Bear Workshop will be participating in many charitable giving programs.

"We always love working with Disney, the pioneers of family-friendly entertainment," said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "This promotion allows us to build on our existing relationship with Disney and begin a new affiliation with the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation. Together, we can do what we all do best - bring comfort and friendship to thousands of children in hospitals around the world and provide them with the universal gift of "friendship." This time, represented by a special plush friend we all know and love."

That's really cool! I made a Pooh bear back in September; if I had known they were going to do this, I would have held off until now! Oh well- it's a perfect excuse to go and make one for myself. :)