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< SEP 2 2010 > |
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April 28, 2006, The British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities Two hundred bears to be unveiled as Spirit Bears in the City hits the "Spirit trail" for the summer
Two hundred Kermode Spirit Bear sculptures will grace street corners, plazas and courtyards in communities up and down the west coast of British Columbia this summer, as part of the BC Lions Society’s Kermode Spirit Bears In The City Project. This is the second public art project by the BC Lions Society, which also created Orcas in the City two years ago, raising more than $400,000 in Vancouver. Like the Orcas, Spirit Bears in the City will raise funds for both the BC Lions Society’s Easter Seal Services, and the Canucks for Kids Fund. Each of the life-sized (seven-foot) fibreglass Kermode sculptures has been designed and decorated by well known or up-and-coming B.C. artists, and sponsored by local businesses and individuals. Fifty-five of the completed Spirit Bears were unveiled today at a special Spirit of Vancouver® (SOV) launch at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre to mark the official opening of the public exhibit. From now until October, all of the Spirit Bears will be on display for public viewing from Vancouver Island up to Terrace and Prince Rupert. View photos "We can 'bearly' contain ourselves," said Stephen Miller, president of the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. "Spirit Bears in the City is already successful well beyond what we had expected. We’re grateful for the support the business community and the artists' community have shown us once again with their sponsorships, and we’re especially appreciative of the support we received when we took this idea into communities in other parts of the province for the first time. We know the bears will create a buzz among tourists and locals alike, and we hope people will take the time to 'paws' and reflect when they spot them!" Among the Spirit Bears unveiled today are three Judson Beaumont creations: BatBear, based on the Batman series; the Darth Bear, based on the cult figure from Star Wars; and the Bearrister Bear. Trev Deely unveiled their Biker Bear and Nettwerk Music Group unveiled Vinnie the Crew Bear, while VRX unveiled the Explorer Bear, painted like an old world map with latitude and longitude lines. Helijet International unveiled a Roto-Bear adorned with instruments, flight pack and rotors created by artists Glen Hadfield and Christopher Berera. Other notable artists who have contributed are Rod Charlesworth, Cori Creed, Rhonda Laurie, Ross Penhall, Fred Peters, Penny Martyn, Mandy Boursicot, Bill Helin, Gloria Masse, Arnt Arntzen, Heather Price, Will Rafuse, Steve Smith, Dwayne Simeon, and Chili Thom. Once the summer season is over, a gala ball will be held at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, where many of the Spirit Bears will be auctioned to raise additional funds for the Lions Society’s Easter Seal Operations and the Canucks For Kids Fund. Others will be available for online auction at GoBid.ca. Media contact: Stephen Miller, president
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