• When you eat cookies they tend to make you smile, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley is smiling BIG with $6,604 raised to support local mentoring programs.
A nationally branded fundraising initiative held each September, local Tim Hortons locations sell the famous smiling cookie, with 100 per cent of proceeds being raised for local charities across the country. Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised over $7 million across Canada. Last year, the Smile Cookie campaign raised over $7 million across Canada.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley currently provides over 110 children with positive mentorships through a variety of mentoring programs.
Children that receive mentoring report higher levels of self-confidence, have lower rates of absenteeism from school, and demonstrate improved academic performance. These children are less likely to use drugs or alcohol and experience better relationships with peers, families, and their community.
Donations like this are an integral part of providing positive mentoring experiences for both the child and volunteer.
“We are thankful for the support of our local Tim Hortons locations that help Big Brothers Big Sisters make BIG impacts on our local children and youth,” the organization said. “We smile because 6,604 community members supported this initiative and bought a cookie! Every dollar raised stays local and supports more children receiving the benefits of wonderful mentors.”
• The Royal Canadian Legion Malahat District Branch 134 is thanking everyone for their support, time and help with the following activities:
Oct. 21, Special Remembrance Ceremony honouring the men and women who died in active service on Canadian soil.
Oct. 26, annual veterans’ dinner honouring the men and women who have served to protect our country.
Oct. 28 – Nov. 10 annual Poppy Campaign. Veterans, Legion members, air cadets, army cadets, sea cadets and community members who braved the elements to give out poppies and collect donations to support veterans.
Nov. 11, Remembrance Day ceremony and receptions honouring the men and women who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
All donations raisxed by the Poppy Campaign go toward helping veterans in this area.
• Leslie Schneider and Angela Ketch from Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union, served up a warm meal at the Cowichan Valley Basket Society as part of Make a Difference Days, an annual community service program from Island Savings that facilitates volunteer opportunities and encourages employee involvement at local non-profit organizations and charities.