SM GRAND CENTRAL, VALENZUELA END THE YEAR WITH HEARTWARMING BEARS OF JOY DONATION

In a season marked by joy and giving, SM Malls in Grand Central and Valenzuela closed 2024 on a heartwarming note with their annual Bears of Joy donation, bringing smiles to children with special needs and persons with disabilities. The campaign, which underscores SM’s commitment to community upliftment, saw the donation of 1,400 plush toys to various beneficiaries across Caloocan and Valenzuela.

SM City Valenzuela spearheaded the effort, contributing 700 bears, while SM City Grand Central added 700 to the tally. The plushies—adorable oval-shaped companions inspired by the viral Squishmallow trend—were distributed to beneficiaries such as Valenzuela’s Persons with Disability Affairs Office and the Alliance of PWD in Caloocan City Inc.

For the children who received them, the Bears of Joy were more than just toys—they became symbols of hope and love. Each plushie represents the spirit of the holiday season and the Filipino tradition of bayanihan, fostering a sense of belonging and care for the less privileged.

The initiative was spearheaded by SM Cares, Toy Kingdom, and SM Supermalls, reinforcing the collective power of compassion. The program also reflects the profound impact of collective goodwill, proving that small gestures of kindness can leave lasting imprints on the lives of those who need it most.