Bear for a Bear: A Project Close to My Heart

Trigger Warning: childhood sexual abuse (brief, non-graphic reference)

The Bear for a Bear Project was born from a memory that has never left me - not for the pain that was caused, rather for the comfort that got me through it.

When I was a kid, I experienced childhood sexual abuse. When I finally spoke out, it led to police involvement, and moments no child should ever have to navigate. I don’t remember many details from that time, and honestly, I’m grateful I don’t. But there is one thing I will always remember clearly: being handed a stuffed bear during one of the interviews.

Into a cold, cheerless space, that bear brought warmth. I don’t have it anymore, but to this day I am brought back to that feeling of safety when I see a similar stuffed toy - not to that intimidating, overwhelming day, but to the security and comfort it gave me when I needed it most. While I may not have understood the significance at the time, now, as a trauma-informed tattoo artist who's had years to reflect on the experience, I see how powerful it was.

How the Bear for a Bear Project Began

A few years ago, I tattooed a client’s childhood stuffed animal on her arm. As she shared the story of how she’d had it her entire life and how much comfort it brought her, something clicked for me. I realized how common this is - how many of us, as kids or teens or even adults, rely on stuffed animals for safety, grounding, and emotional support.

Since then, I’ve tattooed so many stuffed animals: Parents getting their child’s first beloved bear; clients honouring a loved who has passed; people carrying forward a piece of their childhood, and reclaiming a sense of safety. 

Every single story has been beautiful in its own way. And every time I tattoo a stuffed animal, it feels like a full circle moment. 

The Heart of the Project

For every stuffed animal tattoo I do, I donate a brand-new stuffed animal to Hope & Health, a non-profit supporting Indigenous children and youth through sport.

Knowing the impact that one stuffed bear had on me, I want to give as many children as possible their own source of comfort - something tangible, something safe to hold onto, especially if they’re going through things no child should have to face alone.

This project means more to me than I can put into words. It honours my own story, the stories my clients share with me, and the universal human need for comfort and safety.

A Tradition I Hope to Grow

Every year during the holidays, I plan to bring Bear for a Bear back - with the goal of expanding it, donating even more stuffed animals, and reaching more kids and youth who could use something soft and safe to hold onto.

Everyone deserves a source of comfort. Everyone deserves something that makes them feel protected. And everyone deserves to feel safe - even if that safety comes in the form of a little bear.

Thank you for supporting this project, sharing your stories, and trusting me with pieces of your own journey. This community makes Bear for a Bear possible.