Hospital in dire need of stuffed animals for young patients

By Lethbridge Herald on November 7, 2025.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) is in dire need of stuffed animals (stuffies) to provide comfort to hospitalized children. CRH asks that donations be dropped off in this bin located near the south entrance to the hospital atrium through Nov. 16.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Chinook Regional Hospital pediatric and emergency departments have run out of stuffed animals that provide comfort and stress relief to hospitalized children. Provided annually by toy drives such as the Lethbridge Hurricane’s Teddy Bear Toss and the Southern Alberta Bikers’ Teddy Bear Ride, their stuffie stockpile is in dire need of restocking.

Alberta Health Services Volunteer Resources is now accepting donations of new teddy bears and stuffed toys to ensure children will continue to receive a new stuffed animal when at the hospital.

A hospital stay can be scary enough for adults, what more a child? Stuffed animals (also known as stuffies, plush toys or plushies) help reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with hospitalization.

For many children, a cherished stuffy is their first “imaginary friend” that goes everywhere with them. Stuffies are available in an enormous variety of types, generally categorized by their form including animals, people or inanimate objects.

The classic first choice is animals, including traditional teddy bears, dogs, cats, bunnies, and a vast assortment of wild animals like lions and tigers and bears (oh my).  

Plush versions of characters from movies, TV shows, video games, and books (e.g., Disney characters, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter) are also popular.

Mythological Creatures and fantasy animals including dragons, unicorns, and other imaginative creatures; as well as plush dolls often made to look like people; or even Inanimate objects like food (croissants, sushi), plants, vehicles, or other everyday items.

The community is invited to drop off donations until Nov. 16 in the bin located at the south end of the hospital atrium. Every stuffed animal collected will help bring comfort to children when they need it most.

Please ensure that any like-new stuffie donated is completely free from any stains or smells; is not missing any eyes, ears, noses or limbs; and that all of its stitching is intact and the “stuffie is not losing its stuffing.”