Teddies bring smiles all over the world

You can see all of these smiling pictures on one page - SlideShow pictures (opens in a new window).

It all began...

In 1986 some knitted teddies were added to a consignment of medicines going to a refugee camp in the Sudan. The doctors were as thrilled as the children: ‘These teddies do more good than the medicines. They cheer the children up, give them hope, and soon they are on the road to recovery'. Teddy knitting began and teddies were added to each consignment of medicine, helping the children to recover and play.

and it grew...

The name Teddies for Tragedies was first used in Guildford, Surrey in 1991 and from small beginnings the movement grew. There are now many branches throughout the UK. Each branch is largely autonomous and collects, checks and packs teddies to send to locally supported aid groups and charities who work with children in tragic circumstances.

teddies got their own website...

When in December 2004 the Asian Tsunami occurred, many teddy knitters and collectors responded, but this knitters could find nowhere to send her teddies.

Teddies for Tragedies(UK) was launched. The aim was and continues to be, to help coordinate teddy production and delivery. Putting knitters in touch with local needs and charities in touch with local supplies plus finding more people who'll take teddies to needy children.

Who takes teddies and where do they go?

Charities take teddies but not just charities. Volunteers, including school groups take teddies in their 10's and 1000's If you fit the bill, email and you'll be put in touch with a local collector.

Some teddies don't leave the UK, children in trauma in UK benefit from a teddy. Overseas, check out all the flags on the Charities page. If I've missed some, let me know.

How you can help

Deliver teddies: The most important part. If you are a volunteer or represent a charity read the Take teddies page to find out more.

Knit teddies: There is always a need for teddies somewhere but don't look for addresses on the website. If you're knitting (want to knit) teddies email. If I don't know of a local need we can try and find one. Knitters who will post teddies within UK are much appreciated because requests are country-wide and there are not collectors everywhere. .

Make bags: Many knitters don't sew, and we're always short of bags. If you're willing to be a 'bag-lady' email and you'll get the warmest welcome.

Branch organisers: If you run a local branch, get in touch , else I can't pass on requests for teddies.

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