The Ryan's Lion Organization is dedicated to the of en-COURAGE-ment of those who are suffering. The mission of the organization is to provide courage, hope, empathy and love to those enduring difficult experiences.

Almost every human being will face, at some point in his or her life, a significant and life-altering physical, emotional or mental challenge. The death of a close loved one, a traumatic injury, a chronic illness, a difficult interpersonal relationship, or a draining emotional adversity will affect nearly every one of us at some time in our lives. The Ryan's Lion Organization recognizes that human existence brings challenges, sometimes severe challenges, for which there is no immediate relief.  However, our aim as an organization, is to help ease the burdens of those who are suffering.

We provide a small, blue plush lion as a token of love and en-COURAGE-ment to those who are struggling.  Each Ryan’s Lion™ comes with a legacy, because each lion is passed to the recipient by another individual who has faced a significant challenge.  Consequently, each lion has the ability to serve as both a tangible and a symbolic source of comfort and strength. A Ryan’s Lion™ can represent empathy when it is passed on to you from someone who has experienced a challenge similar to yours.  Or, it can simply be a representation of the fact that the giver wants to express sympathy and encouragement, even if he or she is struggling to find the right words to say.

You can read more about the Ryan's Lion Story, and view stories from others who have been a recipient of a Ryan's Lion.™  Your purchase of a lion makes it possible for us to donate a second lion to a hospital, or other charitable organization, or to a family or individual facing a significant challenge.

The Ryan's Lion Organization, a non-profit corporation, was founded in 2008 by Ryan Allred, a 16-year-old social entrepreneur who knew a small idea could make a difference. Ryan continues to lead the organization today with the help of a group of unpaid volunteers. All proceeds from lion sales help us to fund additional donations.