The Story of Bear
Mascot. Veteran. Wanderer. Hope-Bringer.
Where He Began
Before he ever stepped foot in Ukraine, Bear had already lived a lifetime of service.
Long ago, Bear stood tall (and quite cuddly) as the official mascot for the UK’s Help for Heroes campaign. Dressed in his proud British military uniform and sporting a white cast on one leg — a badge of honor for all the wounded he represented — Bear marched at marathons, waved at crowds, hugged children, and raised spirits (and donations) for veterans across the country. Wherever he went, people smiled. Bear was a symbol of resilience and care — and he wore that role with pride.
But time passed, and as campaigns moved on and stores changed hands, Bear was quietly packed into a cardboard box in a UK chain store. That store eventually closed its doors, and everything inside — from signs to uniforms to even Bear himself — was marked for disposal.
Forgotten in the corner, Bear sat in the dark for years.
Then, something unexpected happened.
One of the founders of a grassroots aid effort for Ukraine was gifted 300 teddy bears to bring to children and soldiers — a simple, heartfelt way to spread joy. She had an idea: What if someone wore a bear suit to give them out? Something playful. Something absurd. Something that might, if only for a moment, break through the heaviness of war.
She mentioned it in passing, not expecting much — but a friend suddenly lit up.
“I think I know a guy… who has a bear suit.”
And just like that, Bear’s story began again.
When Bear was finally handed over, still dusty from his long sleep, it was like waking up from hibernation. A bit wrinkled, a bit stiff — but ready. He helped fundraise once more in the UK, joining his new human team to gather aid and laughter alike.
Then came the next chapter: Ukraine.
Bear was carefully packed and sent by courier… except, somewhere along the way — his head got separated from his body. For a brief but dramatic time, Bear existed in two parts, traveling different roads across borders. But thanks to the dedication of his new human friends, Bear was eventually reunited, head and all, and fully ready for action.
He’s no ordinary mascot.
He’s a veteran.
He’s a survivor.
He’s a spark of joy in the darkest places.
And this… is only the beginning.
Military Roots
A Bear for All Seasons
Bear’s first official mission in Ukraine was nothing short of magical.
After years in a box, and a dramatic international journey (head separation included), Bear stepped into his new life with a heart full of purpose — and arms full of teddy bears.
His destination? Netishyn.
It was Christmas — a time that should have been filled with wonder, but for many children in Ukraine, it was marked by sirens, separations, and silence. That’s when Bear arrived.
Decked in his British military uniform and casting a warm, goofy presence, Bear delivered joy to every corner of the town, handing out 300 teddy bears to children — each one a soft spark of comfort in a year full of hardship. He didn’t need to speak. He waved, danced, hugged, and gently reminded them: you are loved, you are not forgotten.
And the people of Netishyn embraced him. He became their Bear.
But Bear’s duties didn’t stop with Christmas.
Come Easter, the Frontline Support Network in the UK rallied again — this time fundraising for Easter eggs to bring a little sweetness to children still living with the echoes of war. Bear was there once more, this time carrying chocolate and cheer. Imagine the surprise and joy — a giant bear, handing out Easter eggs in the middle of a town that needed a reason to laugh.
He was more than a mascot now.
He was part of the family.
But soon, a call came from further east — Kharkiv. A city battered by the war. A place where children had lost parents, homes, and normality. The orphans there had seen too much.
So, without hesitation, Bear set off across the country, packed up once more and sent toward the frontlines — this time, to carry something even heavier than toys:
Hope.
He arrived in Kharkiv to little fanfare, but to wide eyes and cautious hands. And just like before, the magic worked. Hugs turned into giggles. Sadness lifted, even if only for a moment. The presence of a bear in a war zone — ridiculous, beautiful, unforgettable — gave those children a memory other than the war. It gave them something to hold onto.
And Bear? He just keeps going.
Photo Gallery
Bear has spread so much cheer and sparks of joy all over the place
Hear from Our Clients
Read testimonials from our clients and partners to see the positive impact we’ve made.
“When Bear arrived in Netishyn for Christmas, something shifted. In a time when joy was scarce and children had forgotten what it felt like to laugh freely, Bear brought magic back. The sight of a giant bear delivering teddy bears brought smiles, tears, and hope to our community. For many of these children, it was the first time in months they felt seen — and safe. Bear didn’t just bring gifts. He brought comfort. He brought light.”
Birds of netishyn
Working with Medaria Aid has been a seamless and rewarding experience. The impact they have made on the ground in Ukraine is immeasurable.
XYZ Organization
XYZ Org.
We need your help to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the consequences of war.