Enjoy a sweet treat while supporting local youth this month.
Bradford Tim Hortons owner Perry Thornton was joined by local Tim Hortons staff and representatives of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Peel York on Monday to announce the charity has been chosen as the partner for the local 2024 Holiday Smile Cookie campaign.
From Nov. 18 to 24, all of the proceeds from the cookies will go to supporting local charities and Tims foundation camps for children and youth.
Thornton acknowledged that various organizations are in need of support, which is why they work with a variety of partners, including the Helping Hand Food Bank, WOW Living and of course, BBBS.
“It’s about giving back,” he said. “We’re trying to space everybody out a bit and be helpful to everyone.”
When it comes to the newest campaign, Thornton is hoping they can exceed the $21,755 they raised for BBBS in May last year.
“Everybody’s feeling the struggle right now, but the Bradford community always comes up strong and never lets us down,” he said.
That support is “very meaningful,” to the charity, according to Panveer Lacchar, director of development for BBBS of Peel York.
“We have quite a few children on wait-lists, so the funds we raise help get them enrolled in and access services and programs,” he said.
The local BBBS organization has provided children and youth ages six to 17 with mentoring relationships for more than 50 years — including about 1,800 youth last year according to their website — and expects the funding will help them expand to offer more services to an even greater number of young people locally.
The organization’s goal is to enrol as many youth as they can and then find the right programs that suit them, with an emphasis on one-to-one mentorship, Lacchar explained.
“Come out and support Tim Hortons, because ultimately, you’re supporting the children and the youth in the community,” he said.
That’s not the only way residents can help though, because the organization is “100 per cent” always looking for more mentors, and there’s a pre-application available on their website to help people understand the commitment involved and whether it’s a good fit for them.
“If you do have the time, do please consider becoming a mentor,” Lacchar said.
The holiday cookies are the same $1.50 as last year and Thornton said they try to keep everything affordable for everybody.
Anyone looking to become a mentor or seeking more information about BBBS can visit peelyork.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
