Bears Helping Babies
The mission of the student-led movement was to provide aid to the women and children refugees fleeing Ukraine through direct donations to Samaritan’s Purse.
“To date the movement has raised more than $7,500 from over 100 donors,” Brammer said.
Utilizing Samaritan’s Purse allowed the class to offer aid immediately, as the agency has already established an aid program that provides diapers, formula, health care kits and sanitary kits, among other items. Students also created a public relations communication plan, built a website and wrote more than 20 articles.
“We encourage faculty to be innovative and collaborative in their teaching efforts,” Chair Mia Moody-Ramirez said. “This is a good example of the types of projects that help students learn important skill while helping others who are experiencing obstacles.”
Brammer added, “The response from students was extremely positive. They were excited to see how the principles and skills they had learned could be applied to make a difference in their world.”
Students also produced content to promote the movement on podcasts, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok. Other efforts included creating personal videos, designing and handing out flyers, and using personal networks via email and word-of-mouth to publicize the website.
“The creativity and engagement were fantastic. Students were able to use their strengths to contribute to the movement and see how a variety of talents added together to create something much bigger than any individual effort,” Brammer said.
Donations were coupled with prayers for safety, health, comfort, and peace of mind for all those living through the ravages of war.
“Overall, the project brought together learnings, passions and above all our Christian faith,” Brammer said. “I believe we are required to help, to make a difference, and this taught the students that even the smallest efforts can make a sizeable difference.
“Like it says in Matthew 17:20, ‘Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains,’ and in this case, their efforts and faith will have ripple effects in eternity,” Brammer added.
Visit www.bearshelpingbabies.com to learn more and donate.