USA. WHSmith-owned US airport retailer Marshall Retail Group (MRG) has marked today’s National Teddy Bear Day (9 September) by announcing that from mid-October it will distribute Miracle Flights’ aviation-themed Miles the Bear in 26 of its stores across 11 major US airports.
Miracle Flights is a national non-profit charitable organisation that provides free commercial airline tickets to children in need of life-changing medical care far from home.
Miles the Bear is Miracle Flights’ mascot who for 30 years has given children a travel-sized companion to provide them with comfort and security.
Anyone passing through the participating MRG airport stores can purchase Miles the Bear for US$20 and help fly a child to distant medical care. A portion of the proceeds from the toy bear will go directly to Miracle Flights.
Prior to their flight, children in need of Miracle Flights’ services are given their own Miles the Bear to keep.
MRG CEO Michael C. Wilkins said: “Miracle Flights is an incredible organisation, and we are thrilled to introduce Miles the Bear to our shoppers as part of our continued partnership.
“Miles has provided comfort and security for many children who have flown with Miracle Flights, and we are so excited for the opportunity to bring him to travellers nationwide, while supporting Miracle Flights’ inspiring mission.”
Miracle Flights CEO Mark E. Brown said: “We are honoured to have the support of the Marshall Retail Group as our partner to distribute Miles the Bear to families and travellers throughout the country.”
He added: “Over the years, Miles has been a calming presence for thousands of children and now thanks to Marshall Retail Group, thousands more will be able to enjoy this unique plush companion.”
The US airports at which Marshall Retail Group has stores participating in the initiative include Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall, Denver International, LaGuardia, McCarran International, Nashville International, Raleigh-Durham International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Sacramento International Airport, San Francisco International and Salt Lake City International.
