As well as a growing number of enquiries, from hundreds of people, about the bears every day, Xiao also receives messages from craftsmen and craftswomen who are willing to offer a helping hand in passing kindness to everyone.

"I set up a QQ group with over 20 craftsmen and craftswomen who will help me create the bears in the future," Xiao says.

She is also editing a course to teach people how to sew their own bears, which will be posted online.

"It is not a business, but a lifetime career," Xiao says, adding that, during this extraordinary time, spreading the kindness to others really matters.

However, before making a bear as a condolence gift from a third party, she suggests that people should ask about the thoughts of the recipient, first.

"Everyone has their own way of remembering the departed. It may be too painful for some to recall their memories by looking at something related to their loved ones," Xiao says.

Contact the writer at wangqian@chinadaily.com.cn