Vote for your favourite bear

The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island is hosting its 13th annual Bear Wear event from Nov. 26 to Jan. 2 at the Hotel Grand Pacific. UVic Community Relations staff have dressed up a UVic 'Romeo and Juliet' bear for this annual fundraiser, which features cuddly bears sponsored by local businesses and organizations. The display complements the UVic-community collaboration, Shakespeare Onstage-Offstage.

Bear Wear supports child and youth programming, including literacy, drop-in centres, physical therapy, mental health, therapeutic treatment, summer camps and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. In 2012, Bear Wear raised $25,297 in support of children's health on Vancouver Island.

Admission is free. For a $2 donation, you can enter a draw to win your favourite bear plus a package of sponsors' gifts. Enter at the Hotel Grand Pacific, 463 Belleville Street.