Making the world a better place, one Teddy Bear at a time

BARRINGTON – Joseph and Christine Magee launched Brayden’s Bears last year with the idea of giving away one Teddy Bear to a needy child for each one sold.
And they have been true to their word, donating 280 Teddy Bears in 2013.
“Our business is modeled around Tom’s Shoes of California which donates a pair of shoes to the needy for each one they sell,” said Joseph.
The Teddy Bears are sold primarily through their website, www.braydensbears.com. “There are no bricks and mortar for this mom’s business,” he said. “Christine is a stay-at-home mom and runs the business through the website. I have a full-time job and a part-time job.”
Parishioners of St. Rose of Lima, in Haddon Heights, they have two children, Brayden, 5 (the business is named after him) and Matthew, 2.
“We buy our bears from a distributor and sell them for $20 and $25,” Joseph said. “We take a part of our profits to donate the bears. We’re working with Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Twin Oaks Community Services, and the Philadelphia Children’s Alliance, which helps children who are victims of sexual abuse and witnesses to violent crime. We continue our partnership with PCA for their Teddy bear drive.”
The Magees also worked with a Church in Haddonfield for Operation Bear Hug, where Teddy Bears were delivered on Christmas Eve to children spending the night in the hospital. Additionally, the bears are sold in a toy store in Collingswood and for every bear sold there one is donated to Twin Oaks Community Services.
“Teddy Bears have always remained a staple for cheering up, cuddling, and to bring smiles to children around the world,” said Christine. “Every customer can feel good about purchasing a Teddy Bear from a company that was built around social responsibility, and making the world a better place, one Teddy Bear at time.”