Share Your Bear 2013

The Calgary Police Service, Kids Help Phone and Girl Guides of Canada are teaming up to provide countless hugs to victims of crime during the 13^th Annual Share Your Bear Event.

During the flood, more than 600 bears were handed out to young victims of the flood, leaving the supply of bears in need of replenishing.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2012, young Girl Guides will present 3,000 bears to the Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Unit.

These huggable stuffed animals are collected each year from caring Calgarians and corporations like MaxWell Realty. They are taken to Girl Guides Headquarters where they are affixed with logos and contact information for the Kids Help Phone and the CPS Victim Assistance Unit.

Victim Assistance Volunteer Advocates then give the bears out to children and youth in the community who experience trauma as the result of crime.

For Calgarians interested in donating bears to the program, Maxwell Realty accepts donations year-round. Visit maxwellrealty.ca for a list of locations.

The Calgary Police Service is grateful for this program, which enhances the ability of our officers to reach out and assist victims of crime.

Details of a media availability will follow in a separate advisory.