Check out this lovely article in the Irish Examiner on the handmade Pascha bears donated to Hortolova orphanage, that were spearheaded by CraftyIsCool blogger Allison Hoffman after she watched our short film ANYA for To Russia With Love!

“When Anya went live, Allison Hoffman saw it on YouTube and fell in love with the idea that Anya’s teddy could become real. She herself is very ‘crafty’, so she asked if she made one could I get it to the children and, within days, more than 100 other Americans had offered to do the same. So I promised to take them to the orphanage for them,” said To Russia With Love founder Debbie Deegan.

“To Russia with Love touches my heart because, being a mother, I feel exceptionally close to my children. I just can’t imagine being without them and feel like the work TRWL is doing is so important. The things they are accomplishing, every day, must mean everything to these kids,” said CraftyIsCool blogger Allison Hoffman.

You can read about how Allison got involved with the handmade Pascha Bears here.

Since it's release Anya has been viewed over 100,000 times online!

We're delighted with the response so far and hope ANYA continues to reach people all over the world and raise awareness for To Russia With Love.

If you would like to help To Russia With Love to continue changing lives of orphaned and abandoned children, visit www.torussiawithlove.ie. Or text HUG to 50300 and DONATE €4.

For instructions on how to make a Pascha bear, click here!

Click here to read the full Irish Examiner article.