CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- SM malls in Pampanga relaunched the Bears of Joy program this Yuletide Season to once again give joy to children and chosen charities.

In Pampanga, Telabastagan Day Care Center pupils were the first beneficiaries of the launching held at SM City Telabastagan.

SM City public relations manager Rain Cervantes told SunStar Pampanga that various SM Supermalls all over the country also launched their SM Bears of Joy program.

Mall shoppers can help in the program by buying two teddy bears for P200 where one of the bears will be given to selected beneficiaries of the program.

Proceeds of the program will also help fund programs of SM Foundation this Christmas season. Mall shoppers may visit any SM mall and inquire the various programs for the SM Bears of Joy in their respective areas.

“This is a way engaging our mall-goers in the spirit of giving. The mall also has different charitable programs. But this one is of particular interest as it gives people the opportunity to share to the immediate community,” Cervantes said.

As of 2017, the SM Bears of Joy project benefited some 60,000 children and is expected to benefit more children and institutions this year. The beneficiaries range from public orphanages, child community centers, or related non-government organizations.