Ryan Reynolds offers $5,000 reward for return of woman's stolen teddy bear with sentimental recording

Stuffed bear has recording of owner's late mother inside it

Ryan Reynolds offers reward for return of stolen teddy bear (Getty)

Ryan Reynolds is offering a $5,000 reward for the return of a woman’s stolen teddy bear for a sentimental reason.

On Saturday, the actor tweeted a news story by a CBC TV reporter about Vancouver woman Mara Soriano’s blue backpack being stolen during a recent move, explaining that he was offering the reward “zero questions asked”.

The backpack contained an iPad, Nintendo Switch, important documents, and the Build-A-Bear, which had a recording of Soriano’s late mother telling her that she loved her, was proud of her and would always be with her inside of it, according to CBC.

“Vancouver: $5,000 to anyone who returns this bear to Mara. Zero questions asked. I think we all need this bear to come home,” Reynolds tweeted.

According to Soriano, she and her fiancé were unloading their U-Haul van when she placed the backpack down to help a friend. Within a few minutes, the bag had been taken.

And while the other objects were important, Soriano said it’s the teddy bear, which she said is “a reminder of home,” that she cares about getting back.

"It just makes me feel devastated," Soriano told the outlet. "I'm absolutely crushed."

Reynold’s tweet prompted other celebrities to use their platforms to call for the bear’s return as well, with Dan Levy tweeting: “Canada, please help find this bear,” while Zach Braff added: “I NEED THIS BEAR TO COME HOME!!!!!!”

Canadian talk show host George Stroumboulopoulos announced he would be matching Reynolds’ reward, tweeting: “I’ll add 5k to that.”

On Sunday, Soriano said she has since gotten a lot of “tips and leads” about the teddy bear’s whereabouts.

“Hey guys! I should have been more specific about the Herschel bag - it was similar to this, but a bit of a navy blue, but it had black straps! Please keep your eyes peeled, everyone has been so amazing and we've been getting a lot of tips and leads and we follow up on all of them!” the 28-year-old tweeted alongside a photo of the missing backpack.

Soriano also shared video surveillance captured by a local restaurant showing a man taking the backpack.

As of now, the bear has not yet been returned. Those with any information are asked to email findmamabearyvr@gmail.com.