How You Can Help the Refugee Bears

Celebrating July 4 in Trieste

1. Can I Buy a refugee bear?

Bears, like humans, cannot rightfully be bought or sold. However, you CAN obtain a refugee bear. These Bears are free spirits and love to travel and meet new people.

Outside of Trieste: order here: aia.fvg@gmail.com or karolinesteckley@gmail.com
Trieste: call the Italian American Association or come by during opening hours.

Contribution: 30 euros/35 dollars + postage

2.  Where does the money go? 

The materials the Teddy Boys use to make the bears are donated. This way all of the money goes directly to the Teddy Boys.

3. How long does it take to make a bear?

The Teddy Boys are fast machine sewers. The time consuming part is the nose and the mouth because they are sewn by hand. As you know if you make things, the price of the bears does not cover the time that it takes to make a bear. We wanted to make the bears accessible to as many people as possible to raise awareness about refugees and showcase refugee artistry. Because the materials are donated, it keeps the overhead low.

4. How can I help with the Refugee Bear project?

If you live in the Trieste area, you can donate your time and expertise to teach refugees about marketing, accounting, and other tricks of the entrepreneurial trade. We will give you the space to do that.

If you have sewing supplies you would like to donate, great! Stuffing is especially appreciated but thread is also important.

If you have clothes you would like to donate, we will take them. No stretchy material please.

We are also looking for an industrial strength sewing machine (or two). If you or someone you know has one or would like to contribute to helping us buy one, let us know.


5. I would like to make a monetary donation. How can I do that?

Contributions can be made to the project through the Italian American Association of Friuli Venezia Giulia or email us here: aia.fvg@gmail.com

Donations will be used for materials and equipment.

6. Who is helping out already?

American Corner Trieste has donated stuffing. The Salesian nuns (CIOFS) have donated used clothes. AIA teachers have donated used clothes. Malena & Lucia are donating their time to teach the Teddy Boys English. Lucia is producing photos and video for the project. Stefano Gropaiz donated accounting advice.

7. What else can I do to raise awareness about Refugees? 

Talk about the Bear project with your friends and family. If you know refugees, share their stories, too. One personal story can do a lot to change perceptions about refugees and challenge stereotypes.

8. What else do I get with my Bear?

A selfie! If you are in Trieste, you can have your picture taken with the Teddy Boys. If not, please send us your selfie with your bear, the name of your bear and your location. We want to map the Refugee bears as a classroom project at the Italian American Association.

Thank you!

The Teddy Boys, Eva and Nina Bear,Trieste
July 1, 2018