As the last of the 50 Morning Star Christmas bears were handed out, the tears started flowing.
Kylie Sheldrake, 10, had showed up a little late.
Every year The Morning Star does a Shop Local Bear Giveaway to the first 50 people in line that can show $300 worth of receipts from the participating stores.
Darrel Wihnon was first in line just after midnight for the 9 a.m. giveaway.
When Kylie couldn’t hide her disappointment of missing her chance for this year’s panda bear, Delphine Burylo offered the child her bear.
Morning Star publisher Ian Jensen, not wanting to see the girl upset, stepped in and produced another bear that was stored in the office.
With a smile back on Kylie’s face again, a number was drawn to see who would be the lucky recipient of $500 in gift cards to the local shops of their choice.
Christmas karma shone on Burylo and her selfless act and her name was picked.
For many of the people the bear giveaway has become a tradition.
They start lining up in the middle of the night wrapped in blankets and warm coats, talking and drinking coffee.
“We like to collect them, every year the bears are different,” said Wihnon.
After receiving the first numbered bear Wihnon divulged his secret.
“I work nights so I’m used to staying up.”
