BY DUCK PATERSON
It’s definitely a sign of spring when everybody’s favourite cookies – and everybody’s favourite cookie sellers – re-appear.
The Girl Guides are again holding their most important fundraiser, selling their very famous cookies.
Last week, the First Ladysmith Sparks, ages five and six, along with the Ladysmith Embers, ages seven and eight, were present at Country Grocer asking shoppers to purchase boxes of Girl Guide cookies.
Girl Guides of Canada holds two nationwide cookie fundraising campaigns per year, with the classic chocolate and vanilla cookies in the spring and the chocolately mint cookies in the fall.
“One hundred per cent of the proceeds supports Girl Guides programs in communities from coast to coast,” said Amanda Gillmore, area commissioner. “These programs include fun weekly activities and programs, outdoor and camping adventures and experiences and one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Selling Girl Guide cookies help the girls develop skills such as teamwork, money and time management, entrepreneurship, goal setting, and self-confidence.”
Gillmore said Girl Guides of Canada have been selling cookies since 1927 and as an official fundraising activity since 1929. Girl Guides sell 4.5 million boxes of cookies each year across Canada, which averages out to be two and a half cookies for every Canadian.
“We will be selling cookies until we are sold out…” said Gillmore. “We are very grateful and appreciate all of the support that we receive from all of our community members who purchase cookies.”
Girls of all ages can join a unit made up of Girl Guides in their age group. Meetings include games, crafts, science experiments, do-it-yourself jobs, singing, baking, community service projects, or anything else the girls and their unit leaders wish to try.
“Guiding is a safe space where girls and young women can be themselves, take on new challenges, put their ideas into action, take part in an amazing range of activities, and gain the skills to confidently navigate their world,” Gillmore said.
For more information, e-mail bc-pacificshoresac@girlguides.ca.
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