In time for the centenary of the end of the First World War, a special collaboration has been announced between SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and Steiff.
The oldest, tri-service military charity and the world’s oldest manufacturer of hand-crafted stuffed animals for collectors and machine washable plush toys for children have come together to honour this poignant moment in history, with a limited-edition collector’s Armistice Bear. Each bear sold will raise £20 for SSAFA – helping to provide practical, emotional and financial help for the Armed Forces community in need.
Steiff has pledged to create only 1,918 Armistice Bears, each to be numbered individually, making this Limited Edition all the more sought-after. Founded in 1880, heritage manufacturer Steiff brings over a century of expertise and tradition to each hand-crafted mohair bear.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in times of need. Beginning this vital work in 1885, this makes SSAFA the oldest tri-service, military charity running in the UK. This year alone, staff and teams of volunteers have helped over 67,000 people – from World War Two veterans to those involved in more recent conflicts and their families.
It has become clear over more than 130 years of providing Forces support that everyone faces different challenges, so SSAFA uses a tailored approach to meet the needs of today’s serving community. Whether it’s practical, emotional and financial support – SSAFA is there to serve the Armed Forces family every step of the way.
The special edition Armistice Bear is available now: steiffteddybears.co.uk
Notes to editors
- SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 67,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts.
- For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
- Founded in 1880 with the motto ‘for children only the best is good enough’, heritage manufacturer Steiff, inventor of the teddy bear in 1902, is the only toy brand in the world with its own fabric mill. All Steiff collector’s pieces are hand-crafted from the finest woven mohair and alcpaca and are instantly recognised by the ‘Knopf im Ohr’ or button in ear. Created in 1904, the button was one of the world’s first trademarks and remains an enduring symbol of Steiff’s craftsmanship, history and the highest toy safety standards in the world.
