As a way of helping children who are stuck in hospitals over the Christmas season, Fairmont Hamilton has announced the first annual Teddy Bear Christmas Tea.

The event will run every day until December 23, between 2.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

But if your children want to sit on Santa Claus' lap and enjoy storytelling, then the time to go is on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Teddy Bear Christmas Teas will be held in the Heritage Court, at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess daily.

Children are encouraged to bring a brand new teddy bear or other new stuffed animal to the tea, which will be donated at the holidays to the children's and maternity wards at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and to the mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

General manager of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, John Crellin said that they were excited about the first Christmas Tea for a few reasons.

"It gives us the opportunity to share the holiday spirit with families while at the same time bringing some joy and festivity to those in hospital," he said.

The menu has been set with children in mind and it will feature the likes of peanut butter and jelly pinwheels, turkey sandwiches, banana bread, holiday cookies, gingerbread men, cupcakes, ice cream and chocolate milk eggnog.

The Teddy Bear Christmas tea is $19 for children who donate a new stuffed animal and $25 for children without a stuffed animal donation. Adults are $35.

Reservations are required and must be made through the Concierge Department by telephone on 295-3000, ext. 5779.

Locals who wish to attend the Teddy Bear Christmas Tea and stay the night can ask for the Teddy Bear Tea Package.

The package includes Fairmont Gold accommodation, daily breakfast in Fairmont Gold, afternoon tea at the Heritage Court, a $30 donation to the children's ward at KEMH and one Fairmont Teddy Bear to take home.

Prices start at $309 per night per room based on double occupancy and one child (prices for additional children and adults are available).