For nearly 30 years, BC Liquor Stores’ annual Share-a-Bear campaign has been inviting customers to support a good cause.
From now until Christmas, customers can purchase a stuffed bear to take home, for $11.70 plus tax, while its twin is donated to a local shelter, hospital or other worthwhile charity to brighten the holiday season for a child. For some families, these bears are the only gift their child may receive over the holidays.
Each year, BC Liquor Store employees select charities in their communities that help families in need - from children’s charities to shelters and hospitals - and deliver donated Share-a-Bears over the holidays. They have gifted almost 700,000 stuffed bears to charities throughout the province since the program began in 1989.
More than 22,000 bears were donated last year, bringing smiles and comfort to children in need in hundreds of communities. This year’s bears come in black and white, each wearing plaid hoodies and imprinted with a maple leaf on their paw.
In many cases, customers donate both bears or make multiple purchases. Customers also have the chance to enter a draw to win a larger version of the Share-a-Bear, as two winners will be drawn at each store.
There have been 22,500 bears distributed to 197 BC Liquor Stores for this year’s campaign.