For Rare Diseases South Africa's second birthday, we launched the RareBear Project. We decided that we wanted to commission bears for our paediatric patients so that they could have a friend that was all theirs to be with them through the Journey of survivial. BUT, we didnt want perfect bears, or for our bears to all be the same. So, we engaged with our the ladies living in our local township, KyaSands.
4 months later, we had our first 20 bears. The ladies who create our bears get to decide what they look like, their colour, their unique features etc. These ladies are also earning an income from making these bears, allowing Rare Diseases SA the oppurtunity to give back to our community. The bears are not perfect, but that was the point. Some have longer arms than others, one ear may be bigger than the other, they are all UNIQUE, just like RARE WARRIORS. They are also all made with love. Our first bears are Giraffes, and today, we have 7 animals in the range. Ironically, a group of Giraffes are called a Journey. If you would like to donate a bear, you can at a cost of only R180. Or you can get one of your own through our online store at www.rarebearproject.org for R200.00. Please note that all donated bears will be sent directly to the patient. The name of the Donor will be indicated on the Rare Bear's nametag.
