Symbol of Solidarity: Rainbow-Coloured Bears 2025

The AIDS teddy originally came from San Francisco. Inspired by an initiative there in the United States, Heiko Sobel – the first ‘AIDS pastor’ in Europe and later director of the Zurich hospice Lighthouse – brought the idea with him in 1987 and helped establish the plush bear here as well.

This small prevention ambassador, redesigned every year and cherished by AIDS support organizations, has become a symbol of solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS. The latest AIDS teddies, which have ignited a real passion for collecting among many fans, are also available from Aids-Hilfe Konstanz in return for a donation (while stocks last). The proceeds directly support our HIV prevention work.