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Bear Necessities

Daryna ZadvirnaAlbany Advertiser
Arshiya Sharma 4 1/2 with her teddies.
Camera IconArshiya Sharma 4 1/2 with her teddies. Credit: Laurie Benson/Albany Advertiser

Have you noticed more colour in your neighbourhood or some teddy bears in the windows?

The Albany community has decided to jump on the worldwide “bear hunt” trend to banish the boredom and brighten up the streets in tough times.

It involves children putting their teddy bears or stuffed toys in a window for others to spot on their walks or drives.

More than 200 Albany residents have joined an online group created by Albany mother-of-four Dianne Quinlivan to share their displays and street names.

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“I started the page to be able to keep track of where in Albany our rainbows and bears were hiding for our kids to have fun finding them,” she said.

“My kids are loving the hour drive a day around Albany to find them. This has put smiles and a bit of relief out there in this craziness.”

Malakye, 8, Ella, 7, Madisyn, 5, and Cooper, 4, Quinlivan. TOP: Arshiya Sharma 4 1/2 with her teddies.
Camera IconMalakye, 8, Ella, 7, Madisyn, 5, and Cooper, 4, Quinlivan. TOP: Arshiya Sharma 4 1/2 with her teddies. Credit: Laurie Benson

Nikki Read said her daughter Olivia was heartbroken when she had to take her out of kindergarten.

“She was inconsolable and convinced herself that her friends were going to forget her,” she said.

“But now Olivia gets excited decorating her rainbows and bears — she loves to make people happy and says she hopes it will make other children smile.”

Lukas, 2, and Peyton, 4, Sears.
Camera IconLukas, 2, and Peyton, 4, Sears.

Another mother in the group, Samantha Sears said both of her children had health issues and had been isolated for weeks.

“We are so very thankful to the community of Albany for participating,” she said.

Olivia Chitty, 4.
Camera IconOlivia Chitty, 4.

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