Through a program initiated in 1989, these cuddly bears are given to children experiencing traumatic events to offer them comfort and reassurance in a time of crisis. The bears are distributed by Assistance League members to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for their Crime Victims Assistance Program and Child Abduction and Recovery Unit as well as to Casa Pacifica and local hospitals, police and fire departments.
A story was told by a woman whose son received a B.U.F.F.Y. Bear from firemen who were the first responders when her husband committed suicide. Her son was only five years old. When the firemen arrived, her son was given a B.U.F.F.Y. Bear to wrap his arms around to comfort him. She said, “Do you know that he slept with that bear for years?” Today, this young man has graduated from college, finished his Master’s Degree, and will be a new father next year.
B.U.F.F.Y was instrumental in both of their recoveries. She said, “Thank you, B.U.F.F.Y., for making such a remarkable difference in our lives.