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Oak Bay bear sweetens the pot

Sweet D stuffed bear helps raise funds for Children’s Health Foundation
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Sweet D

Bear Wear downtown will feature some Oak Bay sweetness this holiday season.

Sweet D, the stuffed bear outfitted by Barb Marquardt, owner/operator of Sweet Delights candy shop, will take her place among the best dressed bears in the annual Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island fundraiser - Bear Wear.

“We dress them and people go down and vote for them,” said Marquardt. “My treat fairy bear is going to have some treats with her.”

Funds raised through public voting and sponsorships support kids through the programs of Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. The sponsorship and raffle raised $27,500 for the cause last year and has raised $350,000 since 2001.

“Partly it’s advertising for us, we’ve got the Sweet D bear, and part is we can help out the Children’s Health Foundation,” Marquardt said.

It’s hard to juggle all those seeking donations on a daily basis but this particular cause is a favourite.

“I used to work with special needs children and sick kids so they are dear and near to my heart,” she said. Outside of the career, her niece went deaf due to a bout with meningitis.

“This is one of the areas that I love to help in,” she said. “We go with our hearts, with what touches us.”

The cuddliest event in the region runs Nov. 25 through Jan. 4 at Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville St. in Victoria. Go online to childrenshealthvi.org/events/bear-wear for details on how to participate.

Do you know an Oak Bay bear headed to this holiday picnic? Let us know, email editor@oakbaynews.com or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/OakBayNews to share your photo.

 

cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com