RescuedBears
Top shop for gifts.
Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!
Announcement
What is Rescued Bears?
We are an eco-friendly social enterprise with a mission to reuse and recycle abandoned plush toys. Profits from sales of rescued bears support the registered charity West Toronto KEYS to INclusion, who facilitate programming for adults with intellectual disabilities. Revenue from sales of other items such as bowties go to their maker.
Where to find Rescued Bears:
Instagram: @rescuedbears
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescuedbearsTO
email: rescuedbears [!at] gmail.com
What's a rescued bear or friend?
Rescued bears and friends are stuffed animals and beanie babies who have been donated to our social enterprise. After a thorough wash, each Rescued bear or friend is made a hand-knit sweater or scarf, or a handmade bow tie. Then we interview each friend and write their unique biographies. Many of these biographies are created by the Adults in the KEYS program - they are full of charm, innocence and warmth - much like the Adults themselves. You will receive a copy of the biography, as well as a Rescued Bear postcard.
Hygiene practices: Each of our stuffed animals undergoes a vigorous sterilization process to ensure they meet our hygiene standards, especially in the time of Covid-19. After a hot soapy spin in the washing machine, each stuffed animal enjoys two separate rounds in a hot dryer. They are then treated with an anti-bacterial spray and placed in a sealed bag.
Environmental policy: Until 2020 we used only recycled paper products to wrap and ship our friends. Sadly due to covid we now must use plastic bags and wrapping.
🇨🇦 Toronto only: Free domestic pick-up! Please message our shop AFTER you purchase an item so we can provide you with a refund equivalent to your shipping fees. Purchases may be picked up for free from a house porch located near Ossington station.
What is West Toronto KEYS to INclusion?
Website: www.westtorontokeys.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/keystoinclusion
Announcement
What is Rescued Bears?
We are an eco-friendly social enterprise with a mission to reuse and recycle abandoned plush toys. Profits from sales of rescued bears support the registered charity West Toronto KEYS to INclusion, who facilitate programming for adults with intellectual disabilities. Revenue from sales of other items such as bowties go to their maker.
Where to find Rescued Bears:
Instagram: @rescuedbears
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rescuedbearsTO
email: rescuedbears [!at] gmail.com
What's a rescued bear or friend?
Rescued bears and friends are stuffed animals and beanie babies who have been donated to our social enterprise. After a thorough wash, each Rescued bear or friend is made a hand-knit sweater or scarf, or a handmade bow tie. Then we interview each friend and write their unique biographies. Many of these biographies are created by the Adults in the KEYS program - they are full of charm, innocence and warmth - much like the Adults themselves. You will receive a copy of the biography, as well as a Rescued Bear postcard.
Hygiene practices: Each of our stuffed animals undergoes a vigorous sterilization process to ensure they meet our hygiene standards, especially in the time of Covid-19. After a hot soapy spin in the washing machine, each stuffed animal enjoys two separate rounds in a hot dryer. They are then treated with an anti-bacterial spray and placed in a sealed bag.
Environmental policy: Until 2020 we used only recycled paper products to wrap and ship our friends. Sadly due to covid we now must use plastic bags and wrapping.
🇨🇦 Toronto only: Free domestic pick-up! Please message our shop AFTER you purchase an item so we can provide you with a refund equivalent to your shipping fees. Purchases may be picked up for free from a house porch located near Ossington station.
What is West Toronto KEYS to INclusion?
Website: www.westtorontokeys.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/keystoinclusion
Items
Reviews
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Bruna on 09 Aug, 2021
5 out of 5 starsI was looking for a present for my daughter and found this pre-loved Paddignton bear. The item was in perfect condition, communication with the seller was excellent and delivery time was very fast. My daughter loved her newest friend!
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Kristina on 26 Jun, 2021
5 out of 5 starsA lovely gift to let someone you know that you are thinking of them. It is a cute idea and can be easily put in a frame for those who want it on display. The seller was helpful and the item arrived quickly.
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Erin on 26 May, 2021
5 out of 5 starsWow, wow, wow! Words can't express how wonderful this little bear is. He is a gift for my nephew, and will be so very, very loved! His soft fur and sweet face, and adorable knit sweater and scarf, and wonderful story! Thank you!
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Sue on 10 Mar, 2021
5 out of 5 starsMaxine was gifted to a very special KEYS adult. It was delivered promptly. The creative story, written by a KEYS adult was the perfect complement to this adorable pink sweatered squirrel!
Thank you Gail and team for your kind hearts! -
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Sue on 10 Mar, 2021
5 out of 5 starsBowtied Timothy was gifted to a dear friend for her 60th birthday!
It arrived on time and was cherished immediately! My friend loved the charitable Keys connection and Timothy's whimsical story written by a Keys adult. -
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allisonpearlwilliams on 08 Feb, 2021
5 out of 5 starsI bought Barb as a gift, and the recipient gushed over her. Thanks so much!
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Ken on 02 Feb, 2021
5 out of 5 starsOnce again, another wonderful experience. I do love my growing collection of rescued bears.
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Nancy on 29 Jan, 2021
5 out of 5 starsCarlos was such a heartwarming gift for a friend going through a tough time. It arrived to her house quickly and he is thoroughly loved in his new home. Thank you for what you do RescuedBears!!
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Jackamory on 24 Jan, 2021
5 out of 5 starsThe little beanie baby came fast and exactly as described. The seller was lovely and the person the toy was gifted to loved it.
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Emily on 30 Dec, 2020
5 out of 5 starsGreat communication - he made a wonderful gift and the card was much appreciated! Thanks!
About RescuedBears
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Lost Bear poster
Why do we rescue bears and other lost toys? Because everyone should be able to find their way home
Our founding bear’s name is Otis. When Kiyomi (Gail, our founder) was seven years old, she left him on a bench while out shopping with her mom and sister. Otis became yet another lost toy. His story might have ended there, but it didn’t. Kiyomi created a Lost Bear poster and her mom posted it near the bench.
After a week of uncertainty, someone finally called the number. A boy had found Otis on the bench and brought him home. When his mother saw the poster, she recognized the bear and Otis was reunited with Kiyomi.
Few lost toys have such a happy ending. They may never find their way back to their first home, but with Rescued Bears, they can find their way to a new one.
Shop members
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Gail Burgin
Owner, Co-Creator
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Virginia
Writer, Co-Creator
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Caroline Kovesi
Assistant, Photographer, Marketer
and writer!
Shop policies
Delivery
Payment options
Returns & exchanges
I gladly accept cancellations
I don't accept returns or exchanges
I accept returns I do not accept returns
I accept exchanges I do not accept exchanges
I accept cancellations I do not accept cancellations
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Privacy policy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Where do you ship?
We offer shipping within Canada only.