South Bend, IN. – More than 1200 newly purchased teddy bears have been collected at South Bend International Airport (SBN) as a result of the fourth annual Bears in the Air program. On Tuesday, December 22, 2015, SBN’s Executive Director Mike Daigle and SBN team members will present the bears to representatives from the pediatric departments at Lakeland Medical Center, Saint Joseph Health System and Memorial Children’s Hospital. The delivery and presentation to Lakeland Medical Center is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., to Saint Joseph Health System at 1:00 p.m. and to Memorial Children’s Hospital at 4:00 p.m.
The bears will offer companionship and smiles during a child’s difficult time. Each hospital will distribute the bears to young patients as they see fit.
“We could not be happier with the growth of the Bears in the Air program in its fourth year,” said Mike Daigle, SBN Executive Director. “This year we surpassed our goal of 1200 bears. The continued growth of the program is directly attributed to the community’s support. Without them, this program would not be the success that it is. We are truly grateful.”
The Bears in the Air collection program began on December 4, 2015 when travelers and the general public were invited to donate a newly purchased teddy bear or make a cash donation. The program provides both the donation of teddy bears to children and a cash donation to the Robert L. Miller, Sr. Veteran’s Center. A “Bear Den” inside the terminal served as a collection point for the bears.
About the South Bend International Airport
South Bend International Airport’s three air carriers provide nonstop flights to ten cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York City/Newark, Orlando/Sanford, Phoenix/Mesa, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg with connections world-wide. South Bend International’s multi-modal terminal serves over one million air, rail and bus passengers each year. According to the 2012 Economic Impact Report from the Aviation Authority of Indiana, South Bend International’s total annual economic impact on South Bend and surrounding communities was in excess of $1.7 billion.
For additional information, please refer to www.FlySBN.com or get social with SBN on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FlySBN), Twitter (@SBNairport) or Instagram (@SBNairport) to stay informed about the airport and the carriers that serve the South Bend region.
