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Our Work & Mission
Olivia’s Bears is a not-for-profit organization, created by Olivia Gonyea and her family in 2009. Olivia’s Bears was created to support children who are struggling with a medical condition. Olivia was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in 2009 at the age of eight. Olivia remains cancer-free.
Thanks to the efforts of friends, family members, and the community, Olivia is able to give back to children and young adults who are struggling with their health in a variety of ways. Some ways we support our community include donating items to Oishei Children's Hospital, such as toys for the oncology floor playroom, medical supplies, and care packages for families undergoing treatment.
Our Mission
Olivia knows first-hand that she could not have made it through her struggles without the love and support of others. Her hope is that the gift of a bear reminds children in need of how many people love and care for them.
Olivia's Bears wants to reach as many children and families as we can. We know both the child diagnosed with an illness and their support system are affected by this life changing event.
Our goal is to provide support at all stages of a child's journey with their illness. We know that support is still needed even after their time in the hospital is over.
How We Can Help
- Deliver a Build-A-Bear to your child. Just let us know what characters or themes they like!
- Deliver items on your child's Wish List (up to 5 items)
- Provide family support, including but not limited to:
- Gifts and/or necessities for siblings
- Gift cards to support caregivers with groceries and/or household needs
Community Recognition
- Olivia was awarded the September 2021 Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Community Award
- Olivia's Bears was awarded $17,525 as one of the 4 chosen charities for the first Shine Gold Campaign ran by Hope Rises Network
- Olivia's Bears was chosen as the 2023 beneficiary for Glory Be to Kids and was awarded $52,610
- Olivia's Bears was featured along with our partner, Kaely's Kindness Foundation, on Daytime Buffalo to highlight our mental health initiative in July 2024
Events & Partnerships in 2025
- Courage of Carly/Buffalo Sabres Custom Sabres Bear Collaboration for Holiday Party
- Tasting & Tunes With Platter’s Chocolates
- Oishei Children’s Hospital Valentine’s Delivery
- Courage of Carly Build A Bear Parties
- Sweet Buffalo/Sonic Drive In Fundraiser
- Liam’s Garden Opening
- Oishei Children’s Hospital Summer Delivery
- Sunflowers From Sophia
- Olivia’s Bears Sixth Annual Golf Tournament
- One Gold
- XBoxes For Special Spaces Makeovers
- Shine Gold Sponsor
- Courage of Carly/Buffalo Sabres Halloween Party
- Sweet Buffalo Halloween Party
- Oishei Children’s Hospital Halloween Delivery
- Oishei Children’s Hospital Festival of Trees
- Oishei Children’s Hospital Annual December Delivery
Our Impact: 2025
A Year of Growth, Connection & Compassion
This year, we proudly expanded our bear deliveries to the 12th floor at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, continuing to support both patients and staff throughout the children’s hospital and the pediatric clinic at Roswell. Our Teen Room on J12 remains a welcoming space for teen patients, offering comfort, connection, and a sense of normalcy during an incredibly difficult journey.
Through partnerships and collaborations with local nonprofits, businesses, and community supporters, our outreach continued to expand. Together, we were able to provide not only bears, but also essential items, scholarships, special experiences, and moments of comfort for children and families navigating pediatric cancer.
While 2025 was filled with generosity and giving, it was also marked by profound loss within the cancer community. These moments remind us why this work matters. As we look ahead to 2026, our commitment remains unchanged: to provide care, comfort, and compassion to families at every stage of their journey.
To our supporters, thank you. Every bear delivered, every item donated, and every family supported is made possible because of you. Your generosity allows this work to continue and helps us reach families when they need it most.
Capturing Our 2025 Impact
Help Our Cause
Join us in supporting children facing illness. Together, we can provide hope, love, and support, creating positive change and leaving a lasting impact. Support Olivia's Bears today!
