The Country 107 Morning Show served up by A&W Steinbach covers it all — from local politics and potholes to traffic, sports, and yes... even teddy bears.
Tracy Whitby, Executive Director of Agape House, recently joined the morning show to talk about one of the most adorable events of the year: Teddy Bear Fun Day, happening today, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at E.A. Friesen Park — that’s the one right beside the Jake Epp Library.
“It’s a super fun event,” said Whitby. “We love it every single year and it’s one of our most successful events.”
The free, family-friendly event includes a teddy bear adoption clinic, a teddy bear tailor station to mend well-loved stuffies, and visits from community partners like the Steinbach Fire Department, RCMP, Wildlife Haven, the Steinbach Family Resource Centre, and the Indigenous Friendship Circle.
There’ll be bouncy castles, balloon animals, bubbles, Freezies, and summer prize draws courtesy of Canadian Tire. And kids can adopt a new furry friend — complete with an official certificate and birthday.
Last year, the adoption table was so popular it was refilled multiple times before running out within the first hour.
“You just see this look of pure joy on the child’s face when they see the mountain of stuffies and realize they get to pick one,” she said. “It’s beautiful.”
Agape House has been collecting donations of new or gently used stuffed animals — teddy bears, bunnies, lions, dragons, and other more.
“We are an inclusive organization, and that extends to our stuffies as well,” Whitby added with a laugh.
And of course, a few teddy bear rapid fire questions had to be asked. When asked what word best describes Teddy Bear Fun Day, Whitby didn’t hesitate: “Community.” She recalled a childhood teddy from her grandmother — white with blue button earrings — and confessed her own childhood bear was named, simply, Teddy.
Firm and classic over floppy and squishy? Absolutely. And as for five tiny bears or one giant one? “Five tiny ones — the big ones take up too much space and you can never get rid of them!”
Whitby still has a few childhood stuffies tucked away, though she admitted her kids don’t want them because “the ones they make now are much more lively and vibrant.” Still, the sentiment holds strong.
Be sure to tune in to the Country 107 Morning Show served up by A&W Steinbach for more heartwarming and inspiring conversations with the people and organizations making a difference right here in southeastern Manitoba. We love shining a spotlight on community events, local heroes, and all the great things happening in our region.