On Saturday, May 3rd, Whitehorse General Hospital was filled with laughter, learning, and an abundance of cuddly companions as it hosted the return of the Teddy Bear Clinic, organized by the Yukon Hospital Foundation. The event welcomed more than 500 attendees—including 230 enthusiastic stuffed animals for a fun and educational “check-up.”
Designed to provide children with a positive early experience in a hospital setting, the Teddy Bear Clinic transformed WGH into an interactive space for kids. Young participants brought a variety of stuffed friends—ranging from teddy bears to turtles and even a snake—to receive care at a series of engaging stations. These included height and weight checks, vitals, eye and ear exams, casts and stitches, X-ray, immunization, lab tests, pharmacy and even an endoscope procedure.
Visitors also had a unique opportunity to tour the hospital’s Simulation Lab—a space where healthcare teams practice scenarios and fine-tune their skills to ensure they’re prepared for real-life emergencies. The lab, established in 2018 thanks to the support of the Yukon Hospital Foundation and its generous donors, showcases how community giving directly enhances patient care and safety.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and City of Whitehorse Firefighters were also on-site, supporting the event and offering ambulance and fire truck tours—giving kids a fun, hands-on look at emergency response vehicles and the important work these teams do in our community.
“The Teddy Bear Clinic is such a special day for our community,” said Karen Forward, President of the Yukon Hospital Foundation. “It gives children the chance to explore the hospital environment in a way that’s playful and comforting—and helps reduce fear around medical care. We’re so grateful to all the families, sponsors, staff, and volunteers who helped bring this sweet event to life. It was truly heartwarming to see over 230 stuffies receive such excellent care!”
Children attended with parents and grandparents, making it a multigenerational day of learning. The event not only eased anxieties about hospitals but also helped children understand basic healthcare procedures in a playful and safe environment.
Yukon Hospitals extends gratitude to the Yukon Hospital Foundation and volunteers for organizing this warm and wonderful event. A big thank you also goes to the incredible physicians and healthcare staff who generously volunteered their time to make the day a success. Their energy, kindness, and dedication were at the heart of the clinic and made a lasting impression on every child who attended.
A sincere thank you to our community supporters: The Adams Family, Total Trac Rentals, and the Fetherstonhaugh Family Foundation for their major contributions; McDonald’s for keeping everyone fuelled with tasty treats; and Tupperware for the donation of small containers and candy for the pharmacy station.
The return of the Teddy Bear Clinic was more than just a day of fun, it was a meaningful reminder of the power of community, compassion, and early health education. Events like this show how, together, we can create positive healthcare experiences that leave a lasting impact. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
All photos by Mike Thomas