ManitobaWhen Samantha Johnson brought her son Jack to this year’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Winnipeg, the day was about far more than just spending quality time. The annual event, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, offers a day full of activities to “demystify” health care for children.36th edition of theTeddy Bears’ Picnic runs in Winnipeg Sunday with hundreds at Assiniboine Park Dave Baxter · CBC News · Posted: Sep 08, 2025 8:22 AM EDT | Last Updated: 1 hour agoThe Teddy Bears’ Picnic offered a day full of activities, including a chance for kids to bring their stuffed animals to the Dr. Goodbear Clinic, where real health care professionals diagnosed the toys and treat them for whatever ailments they may have. (Radio-Canada)When Samantha Johnson brought her son Jack to this year’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic in Winnipeg, the day was about far more than just spending quality time with her son. Johnson and her son were among hundreds who went to Assiniboine Park on Sunday for the annual event, hosted by the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.Now in its 36th year, the Teddy Bears’ Picnic offered a day full of activities, including a chance for kids to bring their stuffed animals to the Dr. Goodbear Clinic, where real health care professionals diagnose the toys and treat them for any ailments they may have. The event was held in part to help children and youth feel less intimidated by health care, surgery or a doctor’s visit — while also raising funds for pediatric research and hospital programs. Jack Johnson was among hundred at Sunday’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic. His mother, Samantha, says it was important for them to show support for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which has been there for Johnson, who lives with a type of cerebral palsy. (Radio-Canada)Jack, 9, was born premature and now lives with hydrocephalus, an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that puts harmful pressure inside the skull, as well as spastic diplegia, a type of cerebral palsy.”He’s such a strong guy, so I’m very proud of him,” Johnson said. Because of what her son has been through, Johnson said she understands the importance of showing children they don’t need to be scared of doctors or medical procedures. She added it was important for her to be at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday to show support for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, which she said has been there for Jack and so many other kids over the years. “It’s important to give back, just to make sure that the kids who require care and services receive what they need,” Johnson said. Jack and his family also have a special relationship with the foundation. Back in February, he was named the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba Champion Child for 2025, meaning Jack and his parents have joined a group of ambassadors from across North America that support and advocate for their local children’s hospitals.Stefano Grande, the president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, says a big part of the annual Teddy Bears’ Picnic is about illustrating health care for children to demystify doctor’s visits and surgeries. (Radio-Canada)Stefano Grande, the president and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba said more than 150,000 children come to the HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg for care every year. A big part of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic is about illustrating health care for kids, Grande said. “It’s very critical for the hospital to be part of the Teddy Bears’ Picnic and just demystify that whole experience,” he said. “What better way to demystify, than by asking the kids to bring their teddy bears, talk to them about why their teddy bears aren’t feeling good, getting them triaged, getting them diagnosed, and then getting them patched up.”ABOUT THE AUTHORDave Baxter is an award-winning reporter and editor currently working for CBC Manitoba. Born and raised in Winnipeg, he has also previously reported for the Winnipeg Sun and the Winnipeg Free Press, as well as several rural Manitoba publications.With files from Radio-Canada
Teddy bears under medical treatment to help children feel less intimidated by health care
