Support the Dortmund AIDS charity by buying a teddy bear!

Immerse yourself in the moving story of solidarity with the AIDS Teddy. In the 1980s, then-AIDS pastor Heiko Sobel discovered a heartwarming tradition in San Francisco: people living with HIV and AIDS in hospitals were given a teddy bear to protect them from hostility. This touching gesture of love and belonging was brought to Europe and continued at the Zurich Lighthouse.

When financial difficulties threatened the hospice, a lucky coincidence came to the rescue: a Zurich company donated thousands of bears. The idea evolved, and just before Christmas, Heiko Sobel and his team were in Zurich to touch people's hearts. This moving tradition lives on and reminds us of the power of humanity.

From November 23rd to December 23rd, daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on weekends from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can purchase your teddy bear and become part of the campaign at the information booth at St. Petri's Protestant Church. Stop by, get yourself a cute teddy bear, and show your solidarity. You can also purchase your teddy bear from us at the event office during regular opening hours. You can find us right on the old market square.

Patron Ralph Morgenstern looks forward to your visit on December 15th from 4-5 p.m. and will be available for small talk and autographs afterward in the caféplus of the Aidshilfe Dortmund, Gnadenort 3-5.