Vancouver Woman Runs A ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’ To Restore Cherished Stuffed Animals

March 30, 2026

A retired seamstress is running a one-of-a-kind, heartwarming “hospital” for teddy bears out of her Vancouver home.

Ruth Hasman / Credit: CBC News

Ruth Hasman has turned her retirement into something truly special: giving worn, torn, and well-loved stuffed toys a second chance at life.

For nearly two decades, she has repaired thousands of stuffed toys.

Some arrive missing eyes. Others have been damaged by pets. Many are simply “loved” to the point of falling apart. But no matter the condition, Hasman approaches each one like a unique puzzle waiting to be solved.

And she doesn’t cut corners.

If a repair doesn’t meet her standards, she’ll start over from scratch. Sometimes, she even visits dozens of thrift stores just to find the perfect material to match a beloved bear’s original look.

Each project teaches her something new.

“No bear is the same,” she told the CBC. “I learn something new almost every time I fix one.”

But for Hasman, the real reward goes far beyond the craftsmanship.

It’s the stories.

Many of the stuffed animals she repairs have been passed down through generations, holding deep emotional value for the families who send them in. One of the oldest she’s worked on was an incredible 115 years old—cherished by five generations.

“It’s a pleasure talking to the people, finding out the history of the bears,” she said. “There’s a lot of poignant stories.”

And when the repairs are complete, the gratitude she receives says it all — particularly from the children.

“I get these little notes from the kids,” she said with a smile, gesturing to her heart. “It just pulls my heart.”