Interviews
How an Army of Bears Is Saving a Town
In the town of Berd in northern Armenia’s Tavush province, a group of women knit little arms and legs, strawberry-shaped torsos, round heads, and half-moon ears and snouts. When all the pieces are stuffed and attached, plump little bears stare back and smile. These are the Berd Bears, a small army of cuddly pals that could change the lives of their creators.
When all the pieces are stuffed and attached, plump little bears stare b
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This is great news! We love to hear about such positive progress! Thanks!!
What a fantastic and uplifting story. Nanore… just a great job in bringing these types of human interest stories of hope. This is what it’s all about when we talk about building Armenia… creating hope, creating jobs and creating a sense of self worth. This story should be circulated widely and Armenians with distribution and toy/gift industry influence need to help get this to the next level. The best investments in Armenia are the ones help our people to realize their capability.
Delightful story! It just goes to show how a little bit of imagination and creativity can go a long way to improve the lives of many. So why haven’t we seen any of these bears at ALL of our church bazaars?
Very nice Nanore…You made us happy …Let us forget few months our unhealable pains…Let us enjoy your article and our Bears…
Armenian hand made them…
See many types of Bears …
Armenian… Scottish…Italian…American… Scandinavian…Canadian
from each place…But Armenian hand made…
Why not Arabian to sell to Arab countries…!
But never Turkish
One Turkish bear will eat all the bears…!
Let them sell it in the Armenian airports…
Sylva
What is the stamp of the company…!!!
“Araratian” Bears not Agri
Silvia,
Thanks . We love you too..
Thank you so much for the article, Nanore! And to Mike Mirakian (and everyone else), we would LOVE to provide Berd Bears to be sold at church bazaars around the world, or at the airport, or any other places with an appreciation for this wonderful craft. Please contact us and we’d be happy to discuss any possibilities. Email: caroline@berdbears.com
Having just returned from Armenia working on humanitarian projects which took me too Berd, Chinari, and Artsvaber which are neighboring villages. I was introduced to the Berd Bears, met their director and was thrilled to see their excellent accomplishments. The bears are truly adorable and have such a beautiful story that goes with each bear. I wish that this could spread to the other nearby villages who need something like this too. Congratulations to everyone involved to make this become a reality. Bravo Bears and the women in these villages who are the real hero’s sticking it out under the very difficult conditions which they are living under daily.
Please write your ideas to this factory…
Every parents and grandparents wants to buy such a toy…
I had a Lion with the same knitting and colors…
Six decades ago
My mother knitted…I have a photo with it …
The knitting can easily tear…
So you must find something to protect the hard work…
or cover with special material to protect…
I have another idea to make toys according the birth month of the child…
Like my mother did for me…”A Lion…”
Lion will look beautiful…
Gives power and courage to the child…
Sylva
The Berd Bears vision must be one of most inspiring self-help initiatives that has emerged from Armenia. A great start. It does have tremendous potential. Compliments and more power to all concerned.