Christine Dunn of Lawrence Park and Heather Gotlieb of Forest Hill are friends united by a cause they are both extremely passionate about.

The two are co-chairs of the Children’s Aid Foundation’s 27th annual Teddy Bear Affair, which will take place Nov. 2. The affair is a black-tie gala to raise funds to provide scholarship and growth opportunities for Canadian children in the child welfare system, even beyond the age of 18.

Dunn first attended the event when her husband’s firm, Deloitte, was a sponsor for it 10 years ago. As the years went by and her involvement in the Children’s Aid Foundation grew, so did Dunn’s awareness of the issues plaguing children in the welfare system.

“They really need our help,” said Dunn. “A lot of them have been abused and neglected. It’s nice to know that someone’s got their back and is there to help them out and support them.”

Dunn and her husband have sponsored a child themselves, and she is proud to have watched him go on to pursue his master’s degree. “He has really overcome some incredible odds,” said Dunn. “I don’t think we can even imagine. He is a phenomenal individual.”

Gotlieb is a newcomer to the Teddy Bear Affair but was inspired to volunteer after years of work in fundraising galas and events.

“It is beyond a worthwhile cause,” said Gotlieb. “It bridges the gap — the government does a lot, but it can’t do everything.”

Both have been touched by their experience. “We don’t see this every day,” said Dunn. “The children are so incredibly thankful and grateful.”

The Teddy Bear Affair still has a limited number of tickets left, available online at www.teddybearaffair.ca.