HUG-A-BEAR is one of the greatest humanitarian efforts in the entire region.

We started with Rotary, twenty bears and an idea of making a difference for children in difficult situations.

Thousands of bears have been distributed since.

The first responders, emergency centers, pediatric wards, shelters, American Red Cross, court system and other organizations that advocate for children describe our little HUG-A-BEARS as a childs friend , a hero, the mighty one, Gods angel, a medical assistant and in our multi-lingual settings HUG-A-BEAR is a universal communicator. When children in heartbreaking traumatic situations will not respond to anything or anybody they open their little arms for a little HUG-A-BEAR to hug for comfort and security. That changes everything for these children.

We created mascots HUG-A-BEAR, HONEY-A-BEAR, and the twin cubs HELP-A-BEAR and HAND-A-BEAR to help deliver the little bears and bring joy to the children.

The Foundation Board of Trustees are all volunteers that have dedicated a great amount of time and energy to HUG-A-BEAR.

In a historic ceremonial platform on October 1, 2010, the Foundation pledged to the communities to protect, preserve and secure HUG-A-BEAR for the children of today and future generations.