Victim services honour BC Liquor Stores

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

(l to r) Cary Berger, Manager Police Services, Shari Wilson with Police Victim Services and Mike Kakoske, Manager Orchard Park BC Liquor Store

A decades long program which has aided both Police Victim Services and charities in general has been recognized for its work in the community.

BC Liquor Stores which began the "Share A Bear" program more than 20 years ago was honoured with the Police Victim Services Corporate Community Leadership Award.

The presentation was made during a special ceremony Monday morning.

"The Orchard Park BC Liquor Store has been providing teddy bears to our local victim services office for over 20 years," says Shari Wilson, with Victim Services in Kelowna.

"Their ongoing support and continued years of service is greatly appreciated. The bears act as a tool for victim service workers who initiate support for victims and witnesses of all ages."

Wilson says the bears provide some level of comfort for those in need.

"The BC Liquor Stores have dedicated many years of service to provide bears to victims of crime and trauma in our community," says Wilson.

"The BC Liquor Stores 'Share A Bear' program began in 1989 and has donated over 400,000 bears to British Columbia kids."

Mike Kakoske, manager of the Orchard Park BC Liquor Store says the program wouldn't be possible without the generosity of their customers.

"Our customers come out at Christmas and donate every year time and time again. We really appreciate their support," says Kakoske.

Through the program, customers purchase a pair of teddy bears. They keep one and the other goes to one of a number of charities including Police Victim Services.