Who You Are & What You Do
"Bears for Bairns" delivers cuddly teddy bears to children in hospitals on Christmas Eve, with volunteers in Celtic Santa suits spreading joy and cheer to brighten their holiday season.
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing teddy bears, smiles, and joy to children in hospitals and in need during the holiday season and beyond.
Support Our Cause
Make a Donation
Donate now to support our 501(c)(3) mission and bring joy to children in hospitals this holiday season
Volunteer to Be a Santa
Become a Santa and bring holiday cheer to children in hospitals—volunteer today!
Request a Bear
Request a visit from Santa to spread holiday cheer at your orphanage or hospital!
Our Origin Story
Once upon a time, on a chilly Christmas Eve, the seeds of what would become 'Bears for Bairns' were sown. The story began with an unexpected visit to the hospital. As I wandered through the sterile corridors, my feet led me to the children's ward. The sight I encountered was heart-wrenching - innocent faces, eyes shadowed with sadness and longing.
In the land of the Scots, we have a tender name for these little ones - we call them 'bairns'. That night, these wee ones looked as though they had lost their spark, their youthful exuberance snuffed out by their circumstances.
Seeing those faces, an idea took root in my heart. What if Santa paid a visit to these brave children on Christmas Eve? Fortunately, I had a stash of teddy bears - a tale for another time - that I thought could make perfect gifts.
Armed with a sack full of fluffy teddy bears, I donned a red suit and embarked on a mission. As I entered the ward, bellowing a jovial "Ho, Ho, Ho," the transformation was nothing short of magical.
One by one, the room began to light up. The once saddened faces blossomed into radiant smiles, eyes twinkling with delight. As they clutched their new teddy bear friends tightly, joy seeped back into the room, filling it with a warmth that was infectious.
That moment, that powerful, heartfelt change in the weans was life-altering. It was then that I knew this couldn't be just a one-time thing. This was the beginning of 'Bears for Bairns' - a cause dedicated to replacing sorrow with joy, and filling hospital rooms with hope, one teddy bear at a time.
Steve 'Highlander' Harris, Founder, Bears for Bairns
Fundraising Events
Fundraising Events
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Galaxy Whisky Gala is the main fundraising event for the Bears For Bairns charity. Join us once a year to ring in the whisky festival season in Austin, Texas to taste your favorite (and soon-to-be favorite) whiskies from around the world.
Glendronach Event
Join us In San Antonio for a special fundraising event for Bears for Bairns, a 501(c)(3) charity, with a suggested donation of $30. Discover the Glendronach brand and enjoy exclusive whisky tastings, with the US Ambassador Rory Glasgow bringing the whisky and snacks provided. The Texas Rep, Faryn, will host a quality class on the brand.
Make a Donation.
Bears For Bairns aims to bring comfort and companionship to children in need through the gift of teddy bears during the holiday season, enhancing their well-being and spreading joy. With your support, we can sustain and expand our efforts far beyond the Christmas season.