Detroit Auto Dealers Association, WDIV, Michigan Fire Chiefs Join Forces to Provide Kid Comfort in Time of Need

Coalition to provide 'Cuddles the Bear' to children in traumatic situations

TROY, Mich., Dec. 13 -- The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), WDIV Channel 4 and on-air personality Chuck Gaidica, and the Michigan Fire Chiefs Association announced today the formation of a coalition to help kids when they need it most: during a time of trauma.

The DADA will donate thousands of plush teddy bears (Cuddle Bears) to area fire departments for use as emergency responders encounter children in traumatic situations, such as house fires, traffic accidents, etc. The announcement was made recently by DADA President Douglass R. Fox and Channel 4's Chuck Gaidica, creator of the "Cuddle Alert" program.

"Firefighters are often the first to have contact with victims of a traumatic incident," said Fox. "Very often these incidents involve children who are emotionally distraught due to the loss of a home or worse. It is at this time that intervention can make the difference in how these children cope with the trauma they have suffered. We see Cuddles the Bear as the first step in calming these children.

"The DADA, which has a long history of helping children and children's charities, is pleased to play a role in this important community program, and to join with the real heroes in our communities: Michigan Firefighters."

Founded in 1908, the DADA represents more than 260 automobile dealers who own 240 dealerships employing nearly 17,000 people in Southeastern Michigan. The DADA supports its members through legislative and industry representation, educational programs, communications and community relations activities. Each year the DADA presents the North American International Auto Show, one of the top five motor shows in the world, and the only show in North America to receive annual sanctioning from the prestigious Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.