The First Flight Commemorative Wei Bear “Sells Itself” for Charity — Vanilla Air: Will Double the Winning Bid Amount

▲The Vanilla Air First Flight Commemorative Bear goes up for charity auction at 12:00 noon on December 25. (Photo / Provided by Vanilla Air)

By Chen Rui-zhong / Staff Reporter

After completing its maiden flight mission on December 17, Vanilla Air’s No. 001 “First Flight Bear” will officially dedicate itself to charity and contribute to conservation efforts. From 12:00 noon on December 25 to 12:00 noon on December 30, Vanilla Air will hold a charity auction fundraising event for the “Vanilla Air No. 001 First Flight Bear” on the Yahoo Auctions platform. The airline will match the winning bid amount and donate double the proceeds to the Taiwan Black Bear Conservation Association (a public foundation).

Vanilla Air stated that since its launch, every Vanilla Air flight has had a mysterious guest — the “Wei Bear.” This large plush bear stands approximately 65 centimeters tall, has a waist circumference of about 150 centimeters, and its weight is unknown. The bear going up for charity this time also has the words “No. 001 First Flight Bear” embroidered on its back.

The Formosan black bear is a unique and endangered species of Asian black bear in Taiwan and is the only native bear species in the country. Vanilla Air noted that the V mark on the chest of the Formosan black bear happens to match the V-shaped design in the brand name of V Air Vanilla Air. As such, the Vanilla Air mascot, the Wei Bear, can be considered the best ambassador for the conservation of the Formosan black bear. The airline hopes to raise public awareness of the conservation efforts for the Formosan black bear through this charity auction.