On National American Teddy Bear Day, Shriners Hospitals for Children introduces Fezzy, its first Love to the rescue® Ambassador

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On National American Teddy Bear Day, Shriners Hospitals for Children^® introduces Fezzy, its first Love to the rescue^® Ambassador.  Fezzy, who proudly wears the iconic Shriner red fez, has a mission to raise awareness and support for the innovative care available at Shriners Hospitals for Children.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131114/PH16758)

For more than 90 years, the 23 facilities of Shriners Hospitals for Children have transformed the lives of children around the world through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research, and outstanding medical education. Shriners Hospitals for Children provide all aspects of treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation and psychological support for children with orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns and cleft lip and palate. All care and services are provided regardless of the family's ability to pay.

"It was a natural fit for us to make our first Love to the rescue ambassador a teddy bear," said John Cinotto, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Hospitals for Children.  "Depending on the child's needs, teddy bears can be used to teach young patients about upcoming medical procedures and outcomes or may be given to patients to help ease the apprehension surrounding a hospital stay or surgery.  All of these special touches help alleviate a child's stress, which is an important part of the healing process."

To help Fezzy raise money to support Shriners Hospitals for Children, Vermont Teddy Bear is offering a 4 foot version of Fezzy for $99.99 with 20 percent of the proceeds to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children.  To purchase your own Fezzy, visit www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/Fezzy.  

"Vermont Teddy Bear is proud to support Shriners Hospitals for Children by making Fezzy available," said Bill Shouldice, CEO of Vermont Teddy Bear Company.   "Our bears have brought a smile to our customers' faces for more than 30 years now, but to know that Fezzy will help kids heal faster for years to come makes us smile even more."

About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 23 facilities, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico, provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

About Vermont Teddy Bear
The largest handcrafter of Teddy Bears in North America, Vermont Teddy Bear Company lovingly designs, stuffs and stitches every Bear in Vermont. For a one-of-a-kind gift that's just as unique as the recipient, every Vermont Teddy Bear can be customized to fit a special life event, occasion or holiday. Orders can be placed by phone at 1.800.829.BEAR, where a friendly Bear Counselor® will assist with Bear selection and personalization, online at www.VermontTeddyBear.com or via mail order catalog.

Contact: Misti Dragano
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 410-263-5312

SOURCE Shriners Hospitals for Children