Soft toys for strong cause | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

Christchurch Deputy Mayor Carole Evans sits halfway up the stairs?with bears destined for Women's Refuge.

The City Council civic offices have been invaded by festive furry friends ? and it's all for a good cause.

Councillors and council staff have taken part in Bears for Stairs for eight years now, gathering fluffy toys for Women's Refuge at Christmas time. At the moment, there are up to 1000 fluffy toys climbing three flights of stairs. The council has also set up a Christmas tree where there are boxes for the collection of non-perishable groceries, such as biscuits, cereals and chocolates, for the Mayor's welfare fund, to distribute to financially stressed families in Christchurch.

The council would like to invite the public to take part and donate goods until December 17 for distribution the week before Christmas.

Evans said it was the time of year to be thinking of other people.

"It would be lovely if other people felt they could leave toys at the reception desk if they are able. "It's the time for thinking of others in the spirit of Christmas," she said.