John Lewis and Waitrose launch toy design competition to raise money for the NHS

John Lewis and Waitrose are today launching a soft toy design competition for children around the UK to raise critical funds for the NHS.

The retailers are inviting children (and adults) to create and share their designs for a “super-bear” cuddly toy that ‘celebrates the spirit and fortitude of the fearless men and women working on the frontline during the Covid-19 crisis’.

The winning design will be turned into an exclusive Christmas toy and sold by Waitrose and John Lewis from October, with all profits going to the NHS.

“The acts of gratitude demonstrated by the public towards frontline workers, from the thousands of “thank you” pictures to Thursday evening clapping, shows how deep our nation’s love for the NHS goes,” said Martin George, marketing director for the John Lewis Partnership.

“We’ve already been supporting the NHS and critical workers in a number of ways, but we want to make a lasting contribution that demonstrates our appreciation for those who are on the front line.

“We hope this competition will help inspire the nation’s children to put pencil to paper and encourage many to submit their creations, while helping us give something back to our wonderful National Health Service and frontline workers.”

For kids to enter the competition, they will need to ask an adult over the age of 18 to enter via Instagram or Twitter on their behalf. Participants must send post a design of a toy using the hashtag #DesignYourSuperBear on Instagram or Twitter.

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