(Photo courtesy of Michael Diprinzio) Hape News Bern In the eleventh century, bear roamed the city so is the German word “Bern” for bear. It is a pleasant surprise to discover how this quiet and peaceful town has such a historic connection with “playfulness”. Milan “You try your new shoes, I try my new legs!” — Alex Zanardi (Italian former Formula 1 racer) Playfulness of the City of Bear From 2nd to 6th October 2013, Hape along with its subbrand Käthe Kruse participated in the Suisse Toys Fair in Bern. This is one of the biggest and most important national toy fairs for Swiss customers. Suisse Fair this year attracted approximately 50,000 parents with children who visited and purchased Christmas gifts. In our spacious, posh booth, a variety of products from Hape collection, bamboo creative series, Quadrilla series to Käthe Kruse dolls were presented. Only the products with very fine design and high standard quality can capture the customers’ heart, moreover, the sense of environmental protection is rooted in every Swiss’s mind. Autumnal Bern, Hape has been always there! The Special Love is for Special You Love grows out of care based on respect. Charities cannot be done at one stroke, but have to be considered as ongoing and permanent activities. From 10th to 12th October, Hape took part in “Reatech” in Milan, the fair dedicated to the handicapped. Educational toys from Hape with rehabilitative function were presented that can train eye-hand coordination and brain development through touching, distinguishing and other movements, especially to the children with special needs. "Reatech” is committed to provide assistance with not only physical, but also psychological rehabilitation for this special group. Hape “Care Angels” patiently accompanied and played with each child who stopped by the booth, so that children can have a close contact with Hape toys and feel cherished. Hape also participated in the conference project "Gioco anch’io (I play, too)" held by the Italian Toy Association and devoted to topics like play & disability, play & safety, and play & therapy. The conference confirmed the importance of toys’ special functions for the rehabilitation of children with disabilities, and is expected to design and produce more outstanding toys adaptable for all children. At the exhibition, Hape donated a batch of educational toys and tried our best to help children with special needs. ▲ Bamboo e-copter. Fly me to Christmas! Dad d y , l et’s p l ay a round of Super-Moose! (Photographer: Haisy Han) ▲Hape toys are for all the children around the world! ▲Ocean Adventure Knee High Table helps children to “touch” the world. (Photographer: Christian Millefanti) 4