Build-A-Bear Workshop and Guests in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom Raise More Than $170,000 for Haiti Earthquake Relief Effort

By: Build-A-Bear Workshop | 1,021 Shares 79 Reads

ST. LOUIS (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) announced today that it is donating more than $170,000, which was raised with the help of Guests, to provide support for children and families affected by the earthquake in Haiti. "We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to our Guests for their contributions to support Haiti during this difficult time," said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop. "We are proud to work together to make a difference and provide relief where it is needed the most."

In the United States, the company and its foundation contributed $15,000 to the Red Cross International Response Fund and invited Guests to donate $1 at checkout registers at all of the United States Build-A-Bear Workshop retail locations to support the American Red Cross. In Canada, Build-A-Bear Workshop stores raised funds by encouraging Guests to purchase $1 purple satin hearts, to benefit the Haiti Earthquake relief effort. In the United Kingdom, Build-A-Bear Workshop donated £5,000 to the British Red Cross relief effort.

"We are so grateful for the generous response of Build-A-Bear Workshop and its Guests in support of Haitian children and their families," said Cindy Erickson, chief executive officer of the St. Louis Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. "The enormity of the devastation in Haiti is immense, but every dollar really makes a difference."

Build-A-Bear Workshop believes in the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears. Throughout its 13 year history, the company has shared the hug of a teddy bear wherever needed in local communities and abroad. Build-A-Bear Workshop has given Guests a voice in supporting the causes that are important to them and through its corporate donations and foundation grant programs, has given more than $25 million to children's health and wellness, animals, literacy and other important causes.

Build-A-Bear Workshop encourages Guests to continue donating to the American Red Cross online at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The company currently operates more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball(R) mascot in-stadium locations, and Build-A-Dino(R) stores. Build-A-Bear Workshop extends its in-store interactive experience online with its award winning virtual world Web site at buildabearville.com(R). The company was named to the 2009 and 2010 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For(R) lists. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $394.4 million in fiscal 2009.

TRADEMARKS

We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As you write your story, we wouldask that you use our full Name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R)and that when referencing the processof making stuffed animals you use the word "make" not "build."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is our well-known trade name and our registered trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc.Build-A-Bear Workshop(R)should only be used in capital letters to refer to our products and services and should not be used as a verb.

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

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