Thanks to Mama Wowa, we were able to donate 65 huggable bear stuffed toys through @1000BearHugs for the children displaced by Typhoon Yolanda in Dara’s name. While we are aware that there is a need for basic necessities, we also acknowledge the fact that the rehabilitation of affected children is also an important aspect of relief operations. 

To learn more about the advocacy, click the link below!

1000 Bearhugs is a heartwarming toy drive campaign to bring huggable bears and plushies to children displaced by conflict or disaster like Super Typhoon Yolanda (aka Haiyan).

Play is a child’s natural language and a means for them to make sense of their experiences. Trauma can be addressed through the experiential narratives of play therapy and allows a child to speak of what he or she has gone through when they cannot find the words to do so. These toys provide children with a certain amount of security in a sometimes-scary world.

While food, water, and medicine should remain as top relief goods, stuffed toys could serve as an integral part of recovery of the young survivors, especially during calamities like Yolanda. Conflicting reports say hundreds have died due to monster storm Yolanda. Children who survived, however, may experience heavy trauma. Children need something to hug and hold on to in this time of grief, especially when they feel they have lost everything.

Play Therapy

1000 Bearhugs works with social workers and psychologists on ground for trauma debriefing / psychological interventions. Toy rooms are setup where children can freely pick toys. Art Therapy workshops are also conducted as part of the activity.

Participatory Toy Drive

1000 Bearhugs is a toy drive campaign to collect toys to help comfort children at various evacuation centers and shelters. Drop-offs and mini toy drives are setup by various individuals, schools and offices in Metro Manila and key cities.

Credit: @1000BearHugs + http://www.blackpencilproject.org