Buttercup and Cocoa are soaking up the ambience of the new Cartwright Jewelers.
Cartwright Jewelers has raised funds at Christmas for the CKNW Orphans Fund for more than a decade. The longtime New Westminster business sold canned critters, which featured assorted animals in their very own container.
"We used every possible combination of critters we could," said owner Susan Cartwright-Coates of the critters that lasted 11 years. "Now we have a different bear."
Cocoa, a brown bear, and Buttercup, a carmel-coloured bear, are 12-inch plush bears that are currently taking up residence at the Sixth Street business until they find permanent homes.
"They are ready to go this year. They are really cute. They have a long red bow around their necks," said Cartwright-Coates. "We only have 600 to sell. We will sell out."
In past years, Cartwright-Jewelers received 1,000 critters or bears to sell as part of the annual fundraiser. After selling all of the canned critters that were available, the shop sold bears last Christmas that people could stuff themselves.
Anyone who purchases a bear for $10 will have their name entered into a draw to win a $2,000 Canadian diamond ring.
"The entire $10 goes to the CKNW Orphans Fund," said Cartwright-Coates. "This is our 13th year. This should tip us over the $100,000 mark."
Cartwright-Coates noted that customers start calling the shop inquiring about the bears long before they arrive at Cartwright Jewelers.
"New Westminster people are very aware of the Orphans Fund," she noted. "The Orphans Fund is one of the charities that has a very low overhead."
Cartwright-Coates is a director with the CKNW Orphans Fund and a member of its grant giving committee. The position has given her a great vantage point to see the positive impact donations to the Orphans Fund have on community members.
Formed in 1944, the CKNW Orphans Funds seeks to enhance the lives of children with physical, mental and social challenges living in British Columbia.
In addition to raising funds for the CKNW Orphans Fund, Cartwright Jewelers is celebrating its recent expansion, which saw its premises at 639 Sixth St. almost double in size.
"We are going to be 80 next year," said Cartwright-Coates. "Business is good. We have a good healthy business. The opportunity arose."
When a neighbour decided to vacate the space next door, Cartwright saw a great opportunity to expand. After a nine-day closure, the new 1,750 square foot space is now open.
"It is just beautiful," Cartwright-Coates said. "We are in love with the space."
While there are a few finishing touches to be made to complete the renovation, the store wanted to expand and reopen in time for the Christmas season.
"We have brought in some beautiful new jewelry lines," Cartwright-Coates said. "It gives us an opportunity to present and display our jewelry."
While there have been occasions in the past when shoppers have been bumping elbows during particularly busy times, the expansion will provide a roomier shopping experience.
"What I really love about this location is the floor to ceiling, wall-to-wall windows," said Cartwright-Coates. "We have over 40 feet of windows - that is what to me makes the atmosphere."
Cartwright Jewelers will hold a grand reopening of its newly expanded premises early in 2013.
