For the past years, the SM Bears of Joy plushies were directly distributed to children, but because of the pandemic, the usual way of distributing these bears was changed. Bears were turned over to chosen organization or point person for them to execute the distribution to chosen group of children.
SM City Olongapo Central targeted the sons and daughters of frontliners through Police Station 3 Commander PCPT Exodus C. Rodriguez and Olongapo City Health Officer Dr. Rodrick Bustamante. SM City Olongapo Downtown on the other hand partnered with Unity Masonic Lodge for the children of Iram Elementary School.
The SM Bears of Joy is an annual project of SM Cares, SM Supermalls, and Toy Kingdom to encourage shoppers to share the holiday season’s joy with children in need. This year, SM Cares honored the bravery and selflessness of COVID-19 frontliners with the launch of four specially designed plushies.
Among this year’s special Bears of Joy is Kit the Doctor. Kit’s name stands for hope; next is Heart the Nurse, whose name stands for love, Also, there is Ace the Soldier, whose name means unity, And, Max the Police, whose name resembles strength.
Through the kindness of shoppers, friends and employees the SM Bears of Joy project has always been a tremendous success.