Las Vegas, Nevada – September 9, 2025 – Miracle Flights, the nation’s leading medical flight charity, and WHSmith North America, the premier specialty retailer in the airport marketplace, are teaming up to celebrate World Teddy Bear Day on September 9 with a heartwarming initiative that gives back to children in need.
On this day, 100% of the proceeds from every purchase of Hope and Miles the Bears at WHSmith North America retail stores nationwide will be donated directly to Miracle Flights to help provide free commercial flights for children in need of life-changing medical care far from home.
In addition to this nationwide effort, executives and representatives from Miracle Flights and WHSmith North America will visit Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas to personally deliver Hope and Miles Bears to young patients, bringing comfort and joy on a day dedicated to the cuddly companions.
“This initiative is a perfect example of how our partnership with WHSmith North America transforms small moments into lasting impact,” said Robert J. Sanchez, Vice President of Operations for Miracle Flights. “Every bear purchased helps fund the flights that connect children with the medical care they desperately need, and we are honored to celebrate World Teddy Bear Day by also delivering Hope and Miles directly to children receiving treatment in our hometown of Las Vegas.”
Julie Skiba, Chief People Officer of WHSmith North America, added, “We are proud to mark World Teddy Bear Day in such a meaningful way. Miles and Hope are more than just bears; they are symbols of comfort and resilience. By donating all proceeds from today’s sales, and by hand-delivering bears to children at Sunrise Children’s Hospital, we are extending our commitment to Miracle Flights’ incredible mission.”
Launched in 2021, the collaboration between Miracle Flights and WHSmith North America has already raised over $500,000 and supported more than 500 families with free medical flights. With the introduction of Hope the Bear earlier this year, the beloved duo has become a recognizable symbol of compassion and courage for children facing medical journeys across the country.
Miles and Hope retail for $20 and are available at WHSmith locations across North America.
About Miracle Flights
Miracle Flights provides free commercial flights to children and their families who need life-changing medical care not available in their local communities. Since 1985, Miracle Flights has provided more than 165,000 free flights, booking 700 flights per month across the United States. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Miracle Flights is the nation’s leading medical flight charity. To learn more, visit miracleflights.org.
About WHSmith North America
WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer with over 1,700 stores across 30 countries worldwide. WHSmith North America, incorporating Marshall Retail Group (MRG) and InMotion, represents over half of the Company’s international store estate, with approximately 320 specialty retail stores located in airports and resorts across North America. MRG creates unique retail experiences that highlight local culture and community, while InMotion is the largest airport-based electronics retailer in the world. Follow WHSmith North America and InMotion on LinkedIn.
