Tattoo Artist Launches “Bear-for-Bear” Campaign, Donating Comfort to Indigenous Youth
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A White rock, British Columbia tattoo artist is turning meaningful ink into tangible support for Indigenous children and youth through a unique charitable initiative. Taylor Menzies’ “Bear-for-Bear” campaign donates one stuffed animal to the non-profit Hope and Health for every stuffed animal tattoo she completes.
The campaign, driven by a deeply personal connection to the power of comfort objects, aims to deliver at least 50 stuffed animals by the new year. Hope and Health focuses on improving the lives of Indigenous children and youth across British Columbia.
A Personal Journey Inspires Giving
Menzies’ motivation stems from her own childhood experiences. She revealed she was a victim of sexual abuse and found solace in a stuffed animal during police interviews.”It carried me through a lot of my life, and I unfortunately don’t have it anymore. But I will never forget the safety, comfort, warmth that it brought me,” Menzies shared.
This realization was further solidified when a client shared her own poignant story about a teddy bear tattoo. “I realized that it is indeed not just an experience that I had, that a lot of people have a lot of very meaningful moments with these stuffed animals,” the artist explained. Clients are choosing to commemorate cherished childhood toys, honor lost loved ones, and permanently symbolize sources of comfort. “It’s had such a important meaning to them, [they] come in and want them on their bodies forever as a way to continuously carry them with them throughout their lives,” Menzies said.
For Menzies, the act of creating these tattoos is profoundly healing. “I also feel like it’s a very healing experience for me to get to do them.” She recognizes the symbolic weight of these tattoos – representing safety, notably for those who experienced difficult childhoods or struggle with anxiety – and is committed to extending that comfort to others.
delivering Hope and Health
the donated toys are delivered to Hope and Health, a non-profit institution founded by Menzies’ mother. On December 9th, Menzies personally delivered an initial batch of 50 teddy bears to the charity’s “Santa on the Pitch” event.These packages, alongside treats, toothbrushes, and warm tuques, are destined for children and youth within various First Nations communities throughout the province.
Campaign Details – Taylor Menzies’ “Bear-for-Bear” campaign donates one stuffed animal to Hope and Health for each stuffed animal tattoo completed.
Hope and Health – This non-profit organization, founded by Menzies’ mother, focuses on improving the lives of Indigenous children and youth in British Columbia.
Personal Connection – Menzies’ initiative is rooted in her own childhood experience finding comfort in a stuffed animal during a difficult time.
Community Impact – The donated toys,along with other items,are distributed to children and youth in First Nations communities across the province.
Positive Feedback – Carl Valentine of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Richard Palmer Thomas of hope and Health have both praised the campaign’s impact.
A Ripple Effect of Kindness
The impact of the donations extends beyond the material gifts. Richard Palmer Thomas, an Indigenous youth volunteer with Hope and Health, emphasized the emotional resonance of receiving a stuffed animal. “to be able to give back to the community and see their faces light up and to put a smile on their face, you really see how their enjoyment of it fills up the room,” palmer Thomas said. “It just brings a community together and unites us all as one.”
Palmer Thomas believes that more acts of kindness like menzies’ are essential. “I think if more people like this did this, our world would be a better society.” The “Bear-for-Bear” campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring comfort found in simple gestures and the profound impact of giving back.
