Our bears

FAQs

• Can I donate second-hand soft toys? Do you take other teddy bear donations?

  We do not accept any toy donations (including new or second-hand teddy bears) at this time, but we really do appreciate your interest.

  Second-hand toys are not accepted by hospitals. For health and safety reasons, any type of toy donated to a hospital must be brand new, unopened and still in manufacturers' packaging or with the tags attached.

  Hospitals love receiving The Kids’ Cancer Project branded bears because they are guaranteed to be age appropriate and safe for sick kids, plus they meet other important guidelines such as:

  • Meet Australian Safety Standards
  • Unwrapped to make sure it is appropriate for each child
  • No small or easily detachable parts that can be swallowed
  • No moving parts that can pinch fingers or hair
  • No dangers such as breakable glass, protrusions, sharp edges, or long cords

• What does the “where needed most” option mean? How does it get allocated?

  There are 70 participating hospitals around Australia that are part of The Kids’ Cancer Project Bear Program.

  By selecting “where needed most” we can allocate your bear donation to a hospital that is low on stock. These are often smaller regional hospitals as they don’t receive as many donations as the larger institutions.

• How long does it take for a child to receive my donated bear?

  Orders are despatched every Tuesday and Thursday from Bear HQ in Rosebery, NSW. Bears typically take 4 – 8 business days to arrive at their destination. We are happy to facilitate any urgent deliveries upon request, please phone 1800 651 158 or email bears@tkcp.org.au if you have any questions.

  We are grateful to Smartways Logistics, a medical courier company, that delivers smiles to the faces of thousands of seriously ill kids by delivering The Kids’ Cancer Project’s teddy bears to 33 hospitals on the eastern seaboard at no cost. As a specialist medical and healthcare logistics company, Smartways' drivers and staff have always known their work makes a difference. After all, they are delivering essential items such as heart valves, pacemakers, human tissue, bone grafts, replacement hips, knees and much more to hospitals every day.

• Can you tell me who received my bear in hospital?

  We’re not able to share the name or a photo of the child who receives your generous donation in order to protect the privacy of patients and families.

  From time to time, families post messages of delight and gratitude on social media. We invite you to follow us on Facebook or Instagram as we regularly repost them. You can also read these heartwarming testimonials and stories on our website. 

  We also share beautiful bear stories as part of The Kids’ Cancer Project Bear Appeal, please contact bears@tkcp.org.au if you’d like to be on our mailing or email list. 

• Do hospitals permit these bears given children undergoing cancer treatment are immunocompromised?

  Just like us, hospitals make protecting all patients who are immunocompromised a priority. Hospital staff take great care to only give The Kids’ Cancer Project bears to children when it is safe to do so.

• How much of my bear donation will go towards childhood cancer research?

  Your donation of The Kids’ Cancer Project bears has a double impact. Not only does the bear bring comfort to a sick child in hospital but proceeds of the donation go toward medical research to discover kinder more effective childhood cancer treatments.

  Our Bear Program represents approximately 13 percent of total The Kids’ Cancer Project fundraising revenue. But it does come at a cost as you’re no doubt aware.

  We will not compromise on the high-quality of our bear products because not only is our first priority to ensure they comply with every relevant Australian safety standard, but these bears also need to go the distance of a child’s illness and beyond.

  We continually seek out alternative ways to reduce the margin of our bears, like the cost of delivery, so that more of your donation goes toward science. Right now, we have a partnership with Smartways Logistics, a medical courier company, that delivers The Kids’ Cancer Project’s teddy bears to 33 hospitals on the eastern seaboard at no cost. Let us know if you can help reduce the margin!

  If you’re as serious about science as we are, the best way you can support The Kids’ Cancer Project is to become a regular donor. 

• How big are the bears?

  The Kids’ Cancer Project plush bears are 31cm seated and stretched out they are 47cm from ear to sole of paw.

  Baby Activity Bear sits 28cm high and is suitable for newborns and up.

  Deedee Dinosaur and Ollie Puppy sit 30cm high and are both suitable for newborns and up.

• Can I donate a bear on behalf of someone else and let them know?

  Absolutely! We’ll give you a card to explain the gift that you’ve bought in their name. Follow the prompts to donate your bear online and when you receive your online receipt, email us at bears@tkcp.org.au and we’ll forward you a card you can print out at home or email to your friend or loved one.