AIRDRIE (660 NEWS) – Thousands in Airdrie are helping a Nova Scotia family in what’s being called The Great Teddy Bear Hunt.

The family was visiting Airdrie this week when 7-year-old Duncan lost his camo backpack with a teddy bear inside. The family couldn’t find the bear before they flew back home.

The bear contains a recording from Duncan’s mother before she passed away.

The family posted a plea to Facebook asking for the safe return of the bear. That post has been shared hundreds of times.

Local volunteer Michelle Pirzek isn’t surprised that Airdrie is coming together for the family.

“Airdrie is known for banding together in any sort of crisis or problem so I knew that this would take off quickly, absolutely.”

She says hearing news of the lost backpack and bear broke her heart.

“We really hope this bear is found. I can’t imagine what this family is going through. Let’s hope wherever it is, it’s found quickly and returned safely.”

Here’s where the family was in Airdrie on the day they lost the backpack and bear.

– Nose Creek Park

– Superstore

– Cora’s

– Canadian Tire