Brother Bears is a not for profit organisation that aims to support young children who experience the loss of a sibling. Our packages are designed to provide some comfort to siblings, help with memory creation and assist them with understanding what has happened.
About us
Brother Bears was founded in memory of Shay James Dowling who was stillborn in October 2016.
His older brother was only 11 months old at the time of Shay’s birth and the “Brother Bears” that this organisation was named after represent the brothers.
His Mum wanted to do something to support siblings as she realised that they are often the forgotten ones when a baby or child dies. She settled on creating “Sibling Sacks” and in early 2017 began to develop the idea further. The first Sibling Sack was delivered in late 2017.
With the support of family, friends and the community Brother Bears donated a cuddlecot & memory boxes to Beaudesert Hospital in February 2017 & then delivered their second CuddleCot package in conjunction with the Willis family to Canberra’s Calvary Hospital in the October. Since then they have mainly focused on the Sibling Sack project.
They are proud in knowing that the sibling support packages are helping bereaved siblings throughout Australia and thank everyone who helps keep this project going.
Contact us
Brother Bears is proudly run from Queensland, Australia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrotherBearsForever
Instagram: brother_bears_2016
Website: brotherbears.net
E-mail: admin@brotherbears.net
Useful Links
In Memory Of
Our Supporters Include
Shay James Dowling
Denis Francis Waveney Hindry
Oliver Robert Gee
Abby & Grace Penrose-Timms
Hugo Michael Foote
Ashley James Heath Wool
Bree-Anne Smithers
Thomas James Gallagher
Bethany Meddows Trezise
Beatrix Hazel Claire Willis
Emerson Dee Joyce-Beaumont
Anneliese Siefert
Evelyn Siefert
Lydia Heather Greatorix
Luke Thomas Smith
Chase Morgan Rice
Leilani Rose Whaanga
Leo James Munoz
Archie & Sam Aberhart
Jaxon Liam Beale
Natalie Lauryn Sword
Charlotte Dinh
Isabella Dinh
Buddy Ella
Noah Phoenix Kroehn
Calen Martin Atlee
Milo Duffy
Tobias Alexander Yang
Memory Boxes
These boxes are supplied with our Cuddle Cots and contain items to help parents create precious memories with their baby soon after birth.
Our Sibling Sacks are designed to help young children with understanding what has happened, create memories and provide comfort. The standard pack contains a suitable book & soft toy in a reusable bag.
We have 3 book options available for our packs to best suit the child's circumstances.
Sibling Support Boxes
Individually designed to help a child with capturing memories, providing comfort and assisting with grieving after the sudden death of a sibling.
Please note that these are only offered for delivery in our local area.
CuddleCots
We have donated CuddleCot packages to Beaudesert & Canberra's Calvary Hospitals
Wyatt Douglas James
Snow Borrello
Gregory Petas
Aerin Petas
Taj Robert Pollard
Victoria Anne Lloyd
Jasper James Pridham
Charlotte Mabel Price
William Edwards
Rose, Hope & Destiny
Eloise Layla Brogan
Baby Wallace
Spencer James Brown
Reilly James Hall
Lochlan Daniel Abbott
Archie Lewis Ridgewell
Baby McQueen
Isla Lily Turel
Korbyn Walker Sherar
Jordan Alexandar Tape
Flynn Axel Alega
T.G Austin
Karni Michelle Rose Proctor
Lachie Church
Tommie Church
Star, Raine & Beau
25/11/2016
28/02/1942 - 07/03/1942
08/01/2014
23/05/2012
01/04/2013
04/01/2014
11/09/1998
25/02/2016
13/06/2016
27/02/2015
22/01/2015
29/04/2017
01/06/2018
03/07/2013 - 26/07/2013
24/02/2016
19/11/2016
11/11/2015
12/05/2018
01/03/2014
24/12/2015 - 27/04/2019
21/08/2018
14/07/2012
16/12/2018
29/05/2017
08/06/2016
11/12/2017
06/09/2018
06/03/2019 - 22/03/2019
10/11/2017
25/07/2019
19/06/2017
07/05/2015
10/02/2015
28/08/2017
01/07/2011
08/11/2019
23/11/2020
26/04/2019
25/08/2014 - 24/02/2015
10/03/2020
17/10/2018
27/11/2020
10/08/2020
13/10/2018 - 02/11/2018
11/06/2018
25/05/2019
21/01/2016
18/08/2010
14/01/2021
03/07/2021
Hayley Cameron Photography
Miss Cherree Velvet
Fresh Promotions
Daniel Warman Photographer
Understanding Chromosomal Translocation -
Reciprocal Translocation
Sands provide support to families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth and newborn death. They have 24 hour support line, support groups & offer many other services
Unique is a small UK charity supporting, informing and networking families living with a Rare Chromosome Disorder.
Special mention to:
Sands Queensland
The Hugo Effect
Little Lionhearts
The Smiley Reilly Project
Remembering Chase
Emerikus Land Foundation
Emily Turner Tattoo Artist - Original artist of the Brother Bears image
Other Projects
Please Note: we are currently taking a break from sending support packs out. covid restrictions and ongoing economic pressures have restricted our fundraising opportunities. we hope to be back up and running soon.
We apologise for not being able to support families at this time.
Sibling Sacks
Something Happened is a storybook explaining Stillbirth and contains notes for carers to help them guide the grieving sibling
Yesterday You Were Here is a beautifully written book for children aged 3-6 who loose a sibling or friend the same age
*This book is also available to schools that loose a student.
Remembering Me: Sibling Edition provides a space for children to write memories and connect with their sibling.
Meet The Team
Katie
Founder & President
Hayley
Secretary
Simon
Treasurer
How You Can Help
Brother Bears is a small community organisation based in the Moreton Bay Region that is supporting children all over Australia. The Sibling Sack project relies on donations as a pay it forward system to keep it going.
For $20 you can donate a pack in memory of your child to another family, we would also appreciate the following items:
- Medium pre-paid postage bags, these can be purchased online and delivered directly to us.
- Printing service for our labels.
- A good quality paper cutter to cut our labels.
- Light t-shirt transfer paper from Kmart.
Sewing for Charity Australia currently supply us with calico bags and bears.
Please complete postal details if requesting a pack.
These are not required for general enquiries
Laura
Vice President
© 2022 Brother Bears