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Business notes: Cowichan Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign raises $28,000 for charity

The latest from the Cowichan Valley business community
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The Cowichan Valley’s Tim Hortons raised $28,000 for three local charities during this year’s annual Smile Cookie campaign that was held Sept 19-25. Pictured left to right are April Bartal, Olena Shevchenko and Charlotte Fisher from Tim Hortons, Victoria Davis from Nourish Cowichan, Zoe Lauckner from the Clement Centre for Families, Erin Generous from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley, and Austin Dumont and Lynne Huard from Tim Hortons. (Submitted photo)

Local Tim Hortons shops in the Cowichan Valley banded together to support three local children and youth serving organizations during the annual Smile Cookie campaign, that was held Sept. 19-25, 2022, raising $28,000 to be shared among them.

The three organizations are Nourish Cowichan, Clements Centre for Families and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley.

The Smile Cookie campaign by Tim Hortons franchises across the country raises funds for local charities by selling the cookies and donating 100 per cent of the proceeds.

Dominic Rockall, CEO of the Clements Centre for Families, said the Clements Centre Society is extremely grateful to the local Tim Hortons and the Cowichan community for supporting the centre through Smile Cookie Week.

“An amazing $9,500 was raised and donated to the Clements Centre,” he said.

“This generosity and support from Tim Hortons and the public is wonderful and helps us to keep providing services for vulnerable adults and children with support needs in our community. Thank you so much Tim Hortons.”

Erin Generous, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Cowichan Valley, also thanked the Tim Hortons’ staff and managers for their support throughout the fundraising initiative.

“Your hard work is commended and you should be proud of the support provided to youth initiatives in the Cowichan Valley,” she said.

The Nourish Cowichan Society said in a press release that the organization is “beyond thankful” for Tim Hortons for providing this opportunity, as well as every person and business who purchased a delicious smile cookie.

“The money raised will help us to provide more children with nutritious meals,” the release said.

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The Malahat Skywalk has a special on for the upcoming Family Day long weekend on Feb. 17-20.

The award-winning Malahat Skywalk, which combines nature-based tourism with a cultural tourism experience, is offering a 50 per cent discount on single admission tickets for the long weekend when purchased online.

A 600 metre-long elevated walkway at the popular facility transports visitors to a 10-storey, architecturally-inspiring spiral tower lookout 250 metres above sea level, providing breathtaking 360-degree views.

An adventure net and 20-metre spiral slide offer further innovation for the enjoyment of daring guests.

“Enjoy an adventure with family and friends,” an ad for the special said.

“Take in the epic views, fly down the famous spiral slide and treat yourself to local food and drink in our many picturesque spaces.”

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Thanks to the generosity of their customers, BC Liquor and BC Cannabis Stores collected $942,000 in support of local food banks during the holiday season.

The fundraising campaign, which ran in stores from Nov. 12 to Dec. 31, 2022, was in support of Food Banks BC, which supports more than 106 food banks throughout the province.

All funds collected by BCL and BCCS on behalf of Food Banks BC are given to the food bank in the community where the funds are raised.

“The past few years have been particularly challenging for people in B.C., as we continue to face the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, extreme weather incidents, and increases in the cost of living,” said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch.

“Our customers continue to show tremendous commitment to supporting those in need, particularly when it comes to supporting people within their own communities. We are incredibly thankful to our customers and our employees for their generosity in supporting this very worthy cause.”

••••

Original Joe’s also stepped up to support food banks over the holiday season, raising $100,000 to support those in need during the restaurant chain’s Jolly Beer Month campaign in December.

Born out of a desire to help the growing number of Western Canadians turning to food banks, Jolly Beer Month ran at more than 50 Original Joe’s Restaurant & Bar locations from Manitoba to B.C., including in Duncan.

For every 18 oz or 22 oz OJ’s Blonde Lager beer purchased, Original Joe’s channelled $3 into participating food banks in those regions.

The $100,000 donation will be shared among 41 participating food banks; many of which are experiencing unprecedented demand.

“We want to thank all our guests who stopped by their neighbourhood Original Joe’s and supported this great cause,” said Adam Powell, Original Joe’s vice president of operations.

“Thanks to our communities, and all of our hardworking staff, we are making a difference for families struggling to make ends meet.”



robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com

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