Large Make-A-Wish bear kidnapped in Ireland, but generous stranger pays to replace her « Euro Weekly News

A charity in Ireland has, with a heavy heart, called off the search for Hope, a large Make-A-Wish plush bear that was unexpectedly stolen after the Irish Open in September. However, a generous anonymous donor has covered the cost to replace the kidnapped bear, which was part of the charity’s family for 15 years.

Large, beloved plush bear disappears after golf tournament

Hope was last seen during the Irish Irish Open at the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg at around 7:00pm on Sunday, September 13. Make-A-Wish had been partners with the sporting event, and the team had been on-site, along with Hope, through the week it went on. At the end of the event, charity staff packed up their stand and merchandise, to be collected the next morning by courier to be brought back to the charity’s office in Dublin.

However, Hope was already gone when the courier turned up. Staff assumed she had been misplaced due to her considerable size – 5 feet tall, or just over 1.5 metres – but after several weeks with no sign of her, the charity issued a plea to Irish residents for a search: “If found, do approach with kindness and don’t be surprised if she makes your day brighter,” stated the charity on Hope’s missing poster.

Nationwide search sparks an outpouring of kindness

The adorable blonde bear has been an important mascot for the charity for more than a decade, and she is used to support fundraising activities, visit children, and “generally bring a hug and cheer to those who need her most”, according to a spokesperson for the non-profit organisation. The charity itself is dedicated to grant the wishes of children with critical medical conditions.

The charity received a call reporting various sightings, including in Galway, Co Clare and Drogheda, but none of the furry friends turned out to be Hope. Despite nationwide efforts and the public’s enthusiastic involvement in the search efforts, Hope remains missing.

The ‘most touching’ offer: Six-year-old girl offers her own teddy bear to Make-A-Wish

However, the story does not entirely have a sad ending. According to Make-A-Wish, the appeal “inspired an outpouring of kindness, with messages of support and offers of replacement bears arriving from around the country”. The most touching offer was from a six-year-old girl, who offered to give the charity her own giant teddy bear. The charity did not accept her offer, but stated it was “deeply moved by her generosity”.

Even still, the absence of Hope was noticed by staff, supporters of the charity, and the children. She would always attend events to bring anyone who met her hugs of comfort and joy. According to Susan O’Dwyer, CEO of Make-A-Wish Ireland, it was a “very difficult decision to call off the search”.

Anonymous donor funds a replacement mascot

Luckily, in the final week of October, a generous donation from an anonymous supporter allowed the charity to purchase another giant teddy bear. The new mascot is slightly smaller than Hope, and has strawberry-blonde fur as well as a red necktie. Though Hope is irreplaceable, the new teddy is ready to give the children support, joy and comfort.

While the active search has officially been called off, anyone with any additional information about Hope’s whereabouts is still encouraged to contact the charity. However, wherever she may be, it is certain that she is still brightening the days of anyone who meets her.