More Info on Good Bears of the World
Good Bears of the World (GBW), a caring and giving charity, was founded in 1969 by the late radio pioneer, James Theodore Ownby, Colonel Robert Henderson from England, and English actor, Peter Bull, in Bern, Switzerland.
GBW Headquarters were located in Mr. Ownby’s radio station KNDI, in Honolulu until the organization subsequently relocated their headquarters to Toledo, Ohio in 1991 after Mr. Ownby passed away in 1986.
It was Mr. Ownby’s dream to spread love and caring to children and the elderly who were in need of comfort with teddy bears. His dream has been carried on over four decades by members worldwide.
GBW was the first group to donate teddy bears to police departments in the early 80’s. This program has gained tremendous popularity in the last few decades.
Since their founding, GBW has given hundreds of thousands of teddy bears to those in need of love and a hug. Some places the bears have been gifted are: the Oklahoma City bombing, the crash of TWA flight 800, events of September 11, 2001, Hurricane Katrina, Kansas tornados and floods and the Fukashima Nuclear Disaster
Firemen, policemen, emergency workers, psychologists, and grief counselors have discovered the teddy bear’s magical healing power is invaluable when given to children and their families in traumatic situations.
The LOSS Team greatly appreciates the donations of bears to be able to bring a small measure of comfort to survivors of suicide in our area.
3rd Annual Four County Suicide Prevention Breakfast: A Community Conversation
More than 130 people attended our 3rd Annual Suicide Prevention Breakfast event held on September 13, 2023. Participants learned of area resources and efforts in the Four County Area and discovered ways they can get involved. Thank you to everyone who attended and all those who helped organize the event!
Archbold vs. Liberty Center Yellow Ribbon Campaign
Students and community members came together for Archbold vs. Liberty Center Yellow Ribbon Campaign Bakeoff! Throughout the week, students from both schools participated in suicide prevention and education programs and lead awareness initiatives. Students then took charge of the bakeoff, raising funds for the Four County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Students and community members showed support for the cause at the Archbold vs. LC football game by purchasing bake sale items, dressing in yellow, handing out and wearing yellow ribbons, providing 9-8-8 resources, and creating awareness signs. Together the schools raised over $5,000 for our coalition to continue the mission of preventing suicide and caring for our communities’ mental wellness. THANK YOU ARCHBOLD AND LIBERTY CENTER!