Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Last call for contributi­ons to the Plush Bear Program

Toys collected are distribute­d to children in crisis through community groups

- ERIN PETROW epetrow@postmedia.com

Only a few days remain to help be part of a Christmas tradition that brings smiles and cheer to Saskatoon children who are living in crisis.

Into its seventh year, the Plush Bear Program, sponsored by PotashCorp and coordinate­d by the StarPhoeni­x advertisin­g department, will give stuffed bears to the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), the Crisis Nursery, Boys and Girls Clubs of Saskatoon and MD Ambulance as a holiday surprise for children facing bigger problems than what to write on their wish lists.

Thursday is the last day to get in touch with StarPhoeni­x marketing specialist Miren Luczka — by phone at 306-657-6322 or email at mluczka@postmedia.com — to participat­e by placing an ad in the special Plush Bear Program section of the Dec. 22 newspaper.

Each advertisem­ent, which costs $105, does more than just credit the donor — it also buys two teddy bears.

Luczka noted it’s possible to purchase more than one space to create a larger ad within the insert — and of course, a bigger ad means even more stuffed bears to brighten the Christmas of a local child in need.

The offer is not just for businesses — everyone is welcome, Luczka says.

“It could just say ‘Merry Christmas from the Anderson family’ or whatever. With that, I would just make up two little tags that say ‘Compliment­s of the Anderson family’ and put the names of who that bear is donated on behalf of.”

This year, the program’s goal is to reach a total of 5,600 bears donated throughout its seven-year history. On average, about 800 bears are donated each year, although Luczka said organizers always hope to increase that number.

“The Crisis Nursery sees a significan­t amount of children go through their doors. Likely they are seeing more than 200 children each year, so it’s safe to say not every child going through their doors is receiving a bear.”

Staff at CUMFI, which has been a recipient for the last five years, are excited to see some new bears find loving homes with the families who come to the organizati­on for support.

“It’s something we can count on to put in with the children’s Christmas gifts,” said CUMFI president Shirley Isbister.

“And it’s so rewarding to see (the children’s) eyes light up and see them happy to have a stuffy to cuddle. They are always so unique, each year they’re so different, so it’s exciting to sort through them for the kids.”

 ?? MICHELLE BERG ?? Miren Luczka of the StarPhoeni­x says the program aims to collect more than 800 bears.
MICHELLE BERG Miren Luczka of the StarPhoeni­x says the program aims to collect more than 800 bears.

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