A longstanding tradition will see dozens of local residents bear the elements Saturday.
The Morning Star’s annual Holiday Bear giveaway takes place at the 25th Avenue office at 9 a.m. But for those wanting one of the collector’s edition Gund teddy bears, plus the chance at $500 in local merchant gift certificates, the day will start much earlier.
“We hand out bears to the first 50 people,” said Trent Dansereau, Morning Star advertising manager. “We’ve seen them here as early as 4 or 5 a.m., in the cold.”
The Shop Local and Win sales team will be on hand around 6 a.m. with coffee for those who bear the elements for a chance at getting a teddy bear, plus the grand prize.
For some, it’s not just a newspaper tradition.
“There’s been people that have every single collectible Gund bear,” said Dansereau of families and individuals who return year after year to get a bear.
This year’s fuzzy friend is Indigo Bear, an ultra-soft dark blue bear with a collector’s tag.
The first 50 customers with a minimum $300 worth of proof of purchases from participating businesses are eligible. Purchases must be made between Nov. 10 and Dec. 8 from the following: Village Green Hotel Liquor Store, Vernon Vintners, Vernon Veterinary Clinic, Tim Hortons, Teassentials, Tea Desire, Swan Lake Nurseryland, Subway, Southward Medical Supplies, Save on Foods, Royal Garden, Planet Bee, Monica’s Custom Framing, Legacy Photography, Kindale Thrift Store, Kiki Gardens Restaurant, Home Building Centre, Healthy Spot Pet Nutrition and Supply, Hagemann Jewellers, Gold N’ Time Jewellery, Genier’s Appliances, Fortune Creek IDA, Fabricland, Ebenezer’s, De Vine Vintners, Country West Supply, Crescent Falls Veterinary Hospital, Chicken Little Childhood Outfitters, Canadian Tire, Camelot Haven, Blue Belle, Back to Earth, Arden Tile, Applewood Heating and Air Conditioning, Andre’s Electronic Experts, AKA Room Services, 104 Grey Clothing and Accessories or 29th Street Music Studios.
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