Santa paid an unexpected visit to AWAAIREBEAR this Christmas. From the generosity of many friend and supporters' funds were boosted by gifts in lieu of receiving and sending of Christmas Cards and presents.

Nigel and Mary and all at AWAAIREBEAR would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness at the end of a trying year but which through these gifts raise the spirits and with the knowledge that the company can enter 2009 on a more secure footing.

That they can bring asthma to the forefront within schools by the aims of the company and keep the memory and aims of Victoria alive by giving comfort to children in distress, by a 'hug from the bear!'

Once again very many thanks with our wish to you all for a healthy and prosperous new year!

In October 2008 Awaairebear was invited by members of the Portsmouth Methodist Circuit Singers to attend their Christmas Concert held to support both Awaairebear and the Portsmouth Women's Refuge.

During the concert, enjoyed by all those attending a short presentation was made on the work of Awaairebear followed by a presentation of a Bear to the Women's Refuge on behalf of the Choir.

An extract from the Choir's web page as follows:

'Portsmouth Methodist Circuit Singers are a group of Christians, from the ages of 10 to 30ish, who enjoy regularly meeting and singing together. We have only been running since August 2006 and are always on the look out for new members. We perform our own concerts and take part in different styles of worship. We sing a range of music, from modern to classic Christian songs to more contemporary, secular music. The most important thing about PMCS is the fellowship we share. We are a group of friends and from the youngest to the oldest, we all get along well. We meet most Sunday afternoons from 4-5.30pm, at Drayton Methodist Church in Portsmouth and if you are interested in coming along and seeing what we're all about please contact us

On the 12 th December Nigel Foss and Kevin Dixon took part in a collection at Southern Water Offices Otterbourne. Where staff as part of a 'Dress Down Day' contributed to support AWAAIREBEAR. Kevin played the true hero to AWAAIREBAR by donning a Bear Suit and accompanied Nigel round the offices, much to the mirth of colleagues and friends. Through their efforts a grand sum of £138 was raised from collections and this is to be boosted by a contribution by the Company of a further £50.