Every year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio hosts a Bear Hugs campaign. From the beginning of February up through Valentine’s Day, supporters of RMHC can give a bear to a child in exchange for a $20 donation.
The Impact
Every day, more than 100 children are directly impacted by the Columbus Ronald McDonald House. While a bear may not seem like much, it can be a beacon of hope during a difficult time in a child’s life.
Embrie’s Bear
While Embrie’s baby sister was staying in the hospital, she lived at the House with her grandparents and mom. According to her grandfather, Walter, she struggled a little, getting less attention and having to live away from home.
On Valentine’s Day last year, Embrie came straight to the table of bears and picked out her favorite. She then, unprompted, asked if she could have one for her little sister as well. Of course, we gave her an extra.
“She just loves that bear,” said Walter. She carried it around with her throughout the House, a constant source of companionship. Embrie and a friend at the House played together with their two bears, holding bear parties and jumping around with them.
“The bear helped her take her mind off of what was going on with her sister and her illness,” said Walter.
To this day, Embrie still keeps her bear with her, a reminder that she is cared for.
Sadie-Lynn’s Bear
Sadie-Lynn was receiving treatment in the hospital’s intensive feeding therapy, a multiple-week long program. The program was challenging for her as a young girl, and the Ronald McDonald House became her safe space.
She loves stuffed animals, so when she saw the pile of teddy bears in the kitchen, she was ecstatic.
“Receiving that bear was probably her highlight of that time,” said Sadie-Lynn’s father, Jerome. “That was definitely a bright moment for her.”
Sadie-Lynn still has her bear a year later.
Give a Bear
This Valentine’s Day, buy something meaningful for your partner. Ditch the chocolates and donate a bear in their honor! You can then use the free printable or digital card to gift on Valentine’s Day.
By purchasing a bear for a child like Embrie or Sadie-Lynn, you are making their worlds a little brighter.