The Spotlight is on Bear Hugs for Venezuela

Cristal Montañéz Baylor founded Bear Hugs for Venezuela in 2000 after devastating mudslides in Vargas, Venezuela, claimed around 50,000 lives. Her mission: to offer hope, joy, and comfort to Venezuelan children through the therapeutic power of teddy bears.

Cristal became a customer of ours in February 2018, purchasing hundreds of bears to be distributed to refugee children at food centers in Colombia. She shared images showing how these bears brought smiles to the faces of kids enduring one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Cristal preparing bears for refugee distribution

The program has grown to include more than just plush—Cristal now distributes essentials like coloring books, toothpaste, electrolytes, and pediatric medicine to refugee families.

We’re honored to be part of this cause. Learn more and consider donating by visiting Bear Hugs for Venezuela.