Patients to Receive Bears and Care at Hospital this Holiday Season

For 31 years BC Liquor Storeshas invited their customers to Share-a-Bear to support a good cause, and thisyear is no different. This week, local BC Liquor Store Manager Ron Hopkinsarrived at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation office with more than 150bears to be distributed within the hospital this holiday season.

“Throughout November andDecember our customers are invited to purchase twin stuffed bears for $11.70plus tax,” stated Hopkins. “This year’s bears come in black and tan, with eachof them sporting a plaid bow tie around their neck and a maple leaf insigniastitched on their foot.  Once purchased, customers can then take one bearhome, and the twin is donated to the store for distribution.”

“For many years now we have beenlucky to receive these donated bears for our departments around the hospital.Here in digital imaging it can make such a difference to a patient’sexperience. It’s such a simple thing, but to place one of the bears in a patient’sarms and to see them light up – it’s wonderful,” said Jenelle Woods, X-rayTechnician at VJH.

Customers can still purchase thebears throughout the month of December at local BC liquor stores, and also havethe chance to enter a draw to win a larger version of the Share-a-Bear at theend of the month.