Cartwright Christmas Bears have taken over territory held by Canned Critters in the past at Cartwright Jewelers Ltd.
For the past 11 years, the longtime New Westminster business has been selling Canned Critters every Christmas to raise funds for the CKNW Orphans' Fund. The Canned Critters featured an assortment of stuffed animals in their own little can.
"There were no critters left," said owner Susan Cartwright-Coates. "We knew we couldn't repeat."
Because some people had been collecting the critters annually, Cartwright Jewelers knew it had to try something new. This year's offering is a Cartwright Christmas Bear.
"There are three styles to choose from," said Cartwright-Coates. "They are really cute."
Each Cartwright Christmas Bear costs $10; 800 are available for purchase.
"The entire $10 goes to the Orphans' Fund," said Cartwright-Coates. "We pick up the cost of the bears."
Each bear kit includes a plush, presewn bear body that people can stuff and stitch on a little nose and mouth. If people prefer they can make a $20 donation to the Orphans' Fund at Cartwright Jewelers and get a bear that's been stuffed and is ready for gift giving.
Cartwright-Coates said people are putting their own spin on the fundraiser, with some purchasing them as activi-ties for birthday parties. One group of women bought some bears and planned a gathering at one of their homes, where they could make the bears and donate the finished bears to another group for Christmas.
Everyone who purchases a Cartwright Christmas Critter will have his or her name entered into a draw for a $3,000 Canadian polar bear diamond ring.
Cartwright-Coates has been a director on the CKNW Orphans' Funds board of director for the past three years and has seen the positive impact it's made on people's lives.
The CKNW Orphans' Fund, which began in 1944, seeks to enhance the lives of children with physical, mental and social challenges living in B.C. The radio station was based in New Westminster and sought to help children living at a local orphanage.
