Driving this programme is commitment to assisting and providing job opportunities to disadvantaged people, including those living with HIV/AIDS. A non-discriminatory policy supports efforts to actively employ people living with HIV/AIDS who would otherwise be unable to find employment. Teddy's founder and managing director Amanda Murphy explains that following through on this commitment: "wasn't as easy though, we had to overcome a lot of institutional and societal prejudices." As a result of its commercial relationship with The Body Shop International, Teddy Exports was provided with technical assistance to develop an HIV/AIDS workplace programme. Workers receive free medical care and a subsidised lunch and tea in the company canteen. As part of the programme, there is also a pension scheme and a system of housing loans.

Through the Teddy Trust, the company also directs a percentage of its profits to support community welfare in the form of projects that include:

This company's approach to raising awareness through communication is reflected in related Teddy Trust projects, too. For example, the Teddy School opened in 1994 and upgraded to the intermediate level; it now has over 450 pupils (aged 5-16) and 20 teachers. Its library includes over 5000 books as well as television and digital video capabilities. Specially trained staff at the Day Care Centre cater to children with special educational needs; these children are integrated into mainstream schooling at the Teddy School. Non-formal evening classes are held for local children who are sent to work by their parents during the day and cannot otherwise go to school. In addition, veterinary camps are organised to help train local farmers in basic veterinary care and animal husbandry.

HIV/AIDS, Children, Women, Reproductive and Sexual Health.

The company is based in Tirumangalam, a town on the main route to southern India. Truck drivers use the town, which is home to a large number of commercial sex workers, as a stop-off point for refreshments and entertainment. Organisers suspect that this has contributed to the high rates of HIV/AIDS in the area.

Teddy Exports employs almost 350 local people; in 2005-2006, its products grossed £1.5 million. These products for export across the world include massage rollers made from a sustainable, local wood source (acacia nilotica). There is a tree-replanting scheme in place. Employees also make boxes from rubber wood, bags, and textile and other wooden items.