600 Free Build-a-Bears for Sick Kids Volunteers needed

** Volunteers Required **

STUFFED WITH HUGS® GIVING SICK KIDS A NEW BEST FRIEND

On Saturday 17 May 2008 kids of all ages have a chance to give back to the community through STUFFED WITH HUGS® charity event held by Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in Australia. This year Build-A-Bear Workshop needs volunteers to assist in the making of 600 fury friends that will then be donated to Children's Hospitals across the country. These fury friends, created with love and hugs by local communities are guaranteed to bring a little comfort to sick children across Australia.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Australia are pleased to announce their association with the Children's Hospital Foundations Australia which is a partnership of five of Australia's leading children's hospital foundations including the Royal Children's Hospital Foundations in QLD and VIC, Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation in NSW, Princess Margaret Children's Hospital Foundation in WA and the Women's and Children's Hospital Foundation in SA.

Stuffed with Hugs, a charitable program of Build-A-Bear Workshop, is in its eighth year of helping kids in need around the world by providing teddy bears to children's causes. Stuffed with Hugs was created to give children the chance to help others. Since it began in 2001, more than 275,000 fury friends have been made and donated to children in need of a hug worldwide. Stuffed with Hugs partners have included adoption agencies, children's hospitals, firefighters and police officers, the USO, UNICEF, Ronald McDonald House and other worthy organizations.

"We are 'beary' excited about this year's Stuffed with Hugs program" said Build-A-Bear Workshop Founder and Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark, "By allowing our young Guests to be able to donate the "Brown Sugar Pups" they make to a sick child, we hope to reinforce the value and joy of giving back and that simple acts can go a long way to make others smile"

Stuffed with Hugs is at NO CHARGE to volunteers. All that is needed is 30 minutes of people's time to build one of the 600 donated Brown Sugar Pups which are all supplied by Build-A-Bear Workshop. We are asking communities to support this initiative and to give the kids in the children's hospitals a new 'best friend' in their time of need. As a thank you for helping, Stuffed with Hugs participants will also receive $5.00 Cub Cash that can be used at any Build-A-Bear store.

Volunteers are needed at all six BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOPS on SATURDAY 17 MAY 2008 between 10am and 1.00pm. Stores are located at

WESTFIELD BONDI JUNCTION, NSW
CASTLE TOWERS SHOPPING CENTRE, CASTLE HILL, NSW
WESTFIELD PARRAMATTA, NSW
WESTFIELD PENRITH, NSW
HIGHPOINT SHOPPING CENTRE, MARIBYRNONG, VIC
CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE, VIC

For more information on Build-A-Bear Workshops go to www.buildabear.com.au