Tumi Tiger: A Cuddly Companion Bringing Hope to Traumatised Children Worldwide

A GRN Project

April 14, 2025

What if a simple stuffed tiger could bring a smile to a child’s face amidst daily bombings on the Russian border—or help a boy in South Africa overcome intense anger caused by deep trauma? Meet Tumi Tiger, a cuddly companion with a special audio player that’s sharing the love of Jesus and healing hearts in South Africa, Ukraine, and beyond.

A Christmas Miracle on Ukraine’s Frontlines

Pastor Roman, serving near the Ukraine border in villages around Nisyn, has seen firsthand the devastation of war—daily attacks, heavy losses, and traumatised families. Yet, last Christmas brought a glimmer of hope. “My best Christmas gift last year was that our Tumis and audio-Bibles reached us before Christmas,” he writes. His team delivered Tumi Tigers and audio-Bibles to villages under constant threat, where a living church still thrives despite the chaos. They even held baptisms—a powerful testament to faith enduring in the darkest times.

For security reasons, children couldn’t attend the services, but the Tumi Tigers found their way into little hands at Christmas, bringing smiles and the comforting message of Jesus. Pastor Roman also shared a touching moment: “Today I showed Tumi to an elderly traumatised woman, and her interaction with him was so amazing!” He’s eager to share an English-speaking Tumi with a dear friend still healing from her own trauma, proving that Tumi’s impact transcends age.

Transforming Lives in South Africa

In South Africa, Tumi Tiger is making waves among children and adults alike. Melody, a worker with our Global Recordings Network (GRN) South Africa team, shared how social workers are clamoring for more Tumis after seeing their transformative effects. One social worker at an orphanage raved about Tumi’s benefits, prompting others in private practice to request tigers for their own clients—and even their young children.

At a facility for children with mental and physical disabilities, Tumi has become a game-changer. A psychologist reported that a boy with severe anger issues, stemming from deep trauma, has made incredible progress—now able to communicate verbally and attend a small home-schooling group, all thanks to Tumi’s calming presence. For children with physical disabilities, Tumi offers something even more precious: a soft friend to hold onto, often for the very first time.

Melody also shared that tigers placed over five years ago are still in use, with therapists maintaining contact and reporting ongoing benefits. But the demand far exceeds the supply, and depleted funds have left their stock empty.

How You Can Help Tumi Keep Roaring

The need for Tumi Tigers is urgent—both in war-torn Ukraine and in South Africa, where trauma affects countless children. In Ukraine, Pastor Roman and his team continue to preach the Gospel, distributing Tumi Tigers, audio-Bibles, and food packages to villages on the frontline. In South Africa, social workers and facilities are desperate for more Tumis to support their healing work.

Our GRN South Africa team is taking action. A dedicated supporter, Laetitia, is building a crowd-funding website to raise funds for Tumi, and later this year, she’ll embark on a bush walk to spread awareness and gather support. But we need your help now to keep Tumi’s mission alive.

Join the Movement

Everywhere Tumi goes, he brings smiles, hope, and the love of Jesus. Will you help us bring Tumi to more children and adults who need him most? Your support can make a lasting difference—one tiger, one smile, one heart at a time.

Tumi Tiger: A Cuddly Companion Bringing Hope to Traumatised Children Worldwide

A GRN Project

A Christmas Miracle on Ukraine’s Frontlines

Transforming Lives in South Africa

How You Can Help Tumi Keep Roaring

Join the Movement

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