After 10 amazing years, the Bear Wear volunteer organizing committee has made a few changes to the event to ensure the donations made by the sponsors are going directly to support children and youth.
The number of sponsorship spots available was lowered to 25, down from 50 to allow all sponsors a premium spot at the event. Sponsorship fees have increased to $1,000 per bear, but we have eliminated the auction, so there are no longer the costs associated with purchasing items to be auctioned off with the bear.
And, because there is no auction, we can run the event longer! This year, Bear Wear will be from November 24, 2011 - January 3, 2012 at the Hotel Grand Pacific (463 Belleville Street.) We are delighted that even more children, youth and families will have an opportunity to visit this free, family-friendly event.
All of the funds raised at this year's event will support the Queen Alexandra School Age Program. When children enter the school system they often need a range of supports to help them achieve their full potential. The therapists in this program work with the students, education assistants and teachers to develop strategies for success. Last year, 1868 children were helped.
Our goal is to raise $30,000 for the School Age Program and we cannot do it without your involvement!
We are pleased to have our media partners on board - the Times Colonist, CHEK, SHAW, and the Ocean 98.5 and 103.1 JACK ftm.
*Current Standings for People's Choice*
First Place: Bear #14: Abearlone
Honourable Mention: Bear #16: Grandma & Grandpa Bear
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors:
Bear #1: Sunnie Bear
Sponsored by: University of Victoria - Community Relations
Dressed by: Sandra Crowe
Bear #2: Loukas Alexander
Sponsored by: Villages Pizza
Bear #3: Winston Bear-ister, Q.C.
Sponsored by: Horne Coupar
Bear #4: Saucier le Pooh
Sponsored by: Sauce Restaurant & Lounge
Dressed by: Kayli Anderson
Bear #5: Baker "B" Bear
Sponsored by: Thrifty Foods
Dressed by: Vivian Chenard and Erin Virtanen
Bear #6: Cooper
Sponsored by: Peninsula Co-op
Bear #7: The Bear formerly known as Prince
Sponsored by: Sorensen & Bowers Construction Ltd.
Bear #8: Chef Bear Ardee
*Winner of First Place - Sponsors' Choice*
*Winner of Honourable Mention - Team Spirit*
Sponsored by: Ron Neal @ Re/Max Alliance
Bear #9: Captain Kirk
Sponsored by: Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel
Bear #10: Bear Wisdom
Sponsored by: National Bank Financial
Dressed by: Douglas Street Branch Team
Bear #11: Bear-ly Visible
*Winner of Honourable Mention Sponsors' Chocie*
*Winner of Honourable Mention Best Dressed*
Sponsored by: Joe Larade
Dressed by: Denise Bull
Bear #12: Rocky the Bear
Sponsored by: Rocky Mountain Soap Company & Scott Garman and Associates
Bear #13: Bruce, the Business Bear
Sponsored by: Hotel Grand Pacific
Dressed by: Dawn Sheppard and April Flannagan
Bear #14: Abearlone
Sponsored by: Wille Dodge
Dressed by: Monica Wille
Bear #15: Walker
*Winner of First Place Best Dressed*
Sponsored by: Sysco
Bear #16: Grandma & Grandpa Bear
Sponsored by: Hayworth Properties
Dressed by: Shailie Sanborne & Catherine Swincoe
Bear #17: CHEK Bear
Sponsored by: CHEK
Bear #18: Bearmas
*Winner of First Place Team Spirit*
Sponsored by: Parker Johnson Industries Ltd.
Dressed by: Janice Solotki
Bear #19: Fastrac Family of Bears
Sponsored by: Fastrac Mail Services
