The NOPD in collaboration with the New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation, Arnaud’s Restaurant and several other community partners announced the donation of over 3,000 teddy bears for the Sixth Annual Teddy Bear Program.

During a press conference Wednesday (Jan. 29) morning, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson stated that this is the largest donation the program has received since it began in 2014. Officers will have the teddy bears in their unit to handout to children who have been traumatized due to tragedy.

“The Teddy Bear Program offers children a place of comfort to know that we are there with them during a terrible situation.” Ferguson said.

The Teddy Bear Program was created by Archie Casbarian with Arnaud’s Restaurant to reach children who are in crisis. Over the years, the program has collected and distributed almost 9,000 bears.  

According to Casbarian, equipping first responders with an additional tool they can use to connect with children during terrible times is an impactful and wonderful thing.  

Additionally, several bears were also donated to Raintree Children and Family Services so that the foster children there can experience the joy and comfort that a bear can bring.