Making a Difference: United Delivers Ben Flyin Teddy Bears to Children

On Tuesday, United Airlines volunteer employees delivered custom-designed Gund teddy bears, named Ben Flyin, to children experiencing health struggles or economic hardship worldwide at MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Hospital in Houston.

The furry travel companion comes complete with a passport full of travel-inspired activities and an exploration-ready vest so children can use their imaginations to dream up adventures with their new friend.

The initiative is part of part of the United Adventure Bear program. Houston was the second stop on the worldwide delivery tour, as last week volunteers delivered bears to children undergoing cancer treatment at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

United pilots, flight attendants, mechanics and other uniformed employees will make more than 45 additional deliveries to hospitals, schools and community organizations this year. They’ll make stops in the airline’s hub cities and dozens of other destinations around the globe.

“With more than 370 destinations worldwide, United is committed to giving back to the communities where our employees live and work,” explained Bo Ellis, United’s system chief pilot and a delivery volunteer. “Ben Flyin not only provides the comfort of a teddy bear, but also gives hope and inspires imagination through the adventure of travel.”

By the end of 2014, United will have delivered more than 55,000 United Adventure Bears since the program began seven years ago. Customers and employees helped fund the bears through a summer donation drive. Due to popular demand, the airline will continue to sell Ben Flyin bears and accept donations via unitedshop.com through the end of September.