Discover the warmest hug

VRT’s Warmest Week 2024 is all about loneliness. From 18 to 24 December, the Flemish public broadcaster will draw attention to initiatives that combat loneliness. At Maakeenbeer, we wholeheartedly support this. Since 2020, we have been committed to alleviating loneliness – and in a special way: with the warmest hug.

What is loneliness

Loneliness is the feeling of being alone or isolated. It is an emotion described as “ the physical experience of connectedness with others “. It is important to know that loneliness is not the same as social isolation or being alone. Being alone can be a wonderful and relaxing experience, while loneliness brings with it the feeling of loss and emptiness.

Simply put, loneliness is the feeling of being unable to make meaningful connections with others, as if you don’t really belong anywhere or with anyone At home “. This can even happen when you are in a busy environment, like at work or at a party. Imagine this: you go to work every day, but there is no one on your team with whom you can really talk or share your interests. Despite being around many people, you still feel alone. This is a common example of how loneliness can occur even when you are not physically alone.

The Warmest Hug: What is it and how does it work?

The warmest hug is a hug that is given with lots of love. Maakeenbeer teddy bears offer a lot of physical and emotional warmth. What makes Maakeenbeer’s cuddly toys extra special is that you can fill them yourself or make them together with someone else, which makes for an extra personal and meaningful experience.

Each soft toy from maakeenbeer comes with a wish heart that you can put in it when filling it. This heart is a symbolic gesture for the love and good wishes that you want to give to the recipient. It makes the teddy bear emotionally charged, making it an extra special gift.

By filling a soft toy from maakeenbeer yourself and giving it as a gift to someone who is sometimes a bit lonely, you show love and affection. You let them know, without words, that they can always count on you. Filling the teddy bear together also provides a moment in which you can find connection in each other. The possibility to fill and personalize the soft toy together makes this teddy bear a true Warmest Soft Toy – a companion that radiates warmth, comfort and love, perfect for any occasion.

How can you contribute to the fight against loneliness?

Loneliness is a silent sorrow that is extremely difficult to bear. That is why we must all try to put a stop to it. Make sure that everyone has a place where they can go to unburden themselves without judgement.

Do you also want to do something about loneliness? Great! Here are 2 simple actions you can take to help eliminate loneliness from the world.

1. You can organize an action and raise money for the Warmest Week or make a donation to the VRT action yourself.
2. You can make a cuddly toy from MaakeenBeer together with someone else and then give it as a gift