DAILY Echo readers have helped raise £17,000 for the Daily Echo-backed tsunami appeal.
Almost 3,000 Cubly bears have been snapped up, making at least £5 each towards the relief work in southern Asia following the Boxing Day disaster.
Five thousand bears were given to the Southampton Council of Faiths appeal by Hampshire-based toy manufacturer Russ Berrie.
In less than two months 2,383 have been adopted by readers from our offices in Redbridge, Eastleigh, Southampton city centre, Fareham and Winchester, raising £14,292. A further 470 have been picked up at the Russ Berrie European headquarters at Liberty House in Hounsdown Business Park, Totton, bringing the total raised to £17,041.
Every penny raised will help with reconstruction projects in the areas affected by the tsunami.
The Rev Ian Johnson, a member of the Southampton Council of Faiths, said: "I am astonished. It is a truly incredible figure. It just goes to show that it only takes a small trigger for people to be very generous."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article