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Who is Spinoza?
Spinoza is a talking teddy bear that has a tape player and a speaker inside of the bear, and a heart knob on the outside of the bear, which controls the volume. He is about 18 inches tall and weighs about 3 pounds. Spinoza is the main character in all the stories told in the special tapes that we have created in conjunction with health care professionals.
Why was Spinoza created?
Spinoza was created as a healing gift of love. A special education teacher and a communication specialist created Spinoza in 1984. They envisioned a soft, huggable bear that spoke and sang from the heart. Almost twenty years later Spinoza has warmed the hearts of people worldwide.
How does Spinoza help?
Spinoza is a combination the tactile comfort of a teddy bear and inspirational music and stories that profoundly impact all who come into contact with him.
Who does Spinoza help?
All ages benefit from Spinoza’s universal messages of love and hope. Spinoza is effective for children from birth through young teens. Adults with developmental delays or the elderly with Alzheimer’s have also been comforted and responded very well to the unique form of therapy. Spinoza is used in hospitals, nursing homes, social service agencies, schools, Head Starts, hospices, therapy offices, and many other places.
Where did you come up with the name ‘Spinoza’?
Read the “Story of how Spinoza Got His Name” to find out how Spinoza got his wonderful name!
Can any cassette tape be played inside of Spinoza?
Yes. Many people play their favorite music in Spinoza’s tape player or they record special messages for their loved ones to play in the tape player.
How does the Talking Book Spinoza work?
The Talking Book Spinoza Bear plays 4-track tapes from the National Library of Congress, but it also has a switch that allows people to play regular 2-track tapes. This bear was created especially for those with visual impairments.
When used in a hospital setting, can Spinoza be sterilized?
Yes, please read our information on Cleaning and Care of Spinoza or contact us at 1-800-282-2327 or for more information.
How do I become a sponsor of someone who needs a Spinoza Bear?
You have the option of sponsoring a child that you find, or you can sponsor one of the thousands of children who have been waiting for Spinoza on our “Kid’s List” from one of the 1500 facilities that we work with. Please contact us at 1-800-282-2327 or for more information on how to get involved. We have Coordinators who work with every state who can help you get started.
How many kids have been sponsored through Spinoza’s ‘buddy bear project’?
Over 30,000 have been sponsored since 1994. Over 4,000 children are waiting on our “Kid’s List” to receive a Spinoza Bear of their own.
Is there quantity pricing for organizations, clubs, or hospitals?
Yes, please contact us at 1-800-282-2327 or for more information.
How do other companies become involved?
Please contact Beth at 1-800-282-2327 (ext 201) or to find out the many opportunities we provide corporations to market themselves using Spinoza Bears as a tool for helping others while gaining visibility.
What is the “Buddy Bear Project”?
Children who met Spinoza while they were in the hospital often became very attached to Spinoza and when it came time to change hospitals or go home, they dearly missed their special friend who had helped them through their stay. So in 1994, we created the “buddy bear Project” to partner with clubs, organizations, and individuals who serve the children of their community, to provide individual children with a bear of their own at a discount of the regular price.
How do I put my child on the waiting list for a bear?
The information that we need is your name and number and the child’s first name, age, diagnosis or situation, and the street address that you would like to ship the bear to, after a sponsor is found. We have English, Spanish, and French tapes available. Please contact us at 1-800-282-2327 or to get signed up.
How do I contact you?
Email:
Toll Free:
1-800-282-2327
Fax:
651-604-6681
Mail:
The Spinoza Company
PO Box 97
Cornucopia, WI 54827
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