Staff with BGC - Wolf Creek are thrilled with the tremendous support shown to the recent Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, the proceeds of which support programming in Ponoka and Rimbey.
"It was super successful," said Jill Little, director of support programs for BGC Wolf Creek (formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club).
Altogether, the campaign raised $13,260.52 in Ponoka, and $5,265.83 in Rimbey.
Little said 100 per cent of the proceeds will go to BGC - Wolf Creek, and will ultimately support programs in both communities.
"We were blown away - it will help make a real difference in a lot of lives," said Little. "The money goes a long ways.
"It's a major fundraiser for us. And the work that goes into the campaign is astronomical. There is so much work on Tim Hortons' part, as they have to bake all of those cookies. We (BGC staff) also go over for an hour or so every morning to help put the smiles on those cookies, and it's just so fun. We have a great time!
"So many people are behind it. And there were many places that would tag us on social media that they had picked up their smile cookies.
"We had also sent out pre-order forms, so businesses could order cookies. A lot of businesses will buy some and then donate them to other agencies around town," said Little.
"It was great to see the community get behind it all. Everybody knows what it is, and the money is going to a great cause - it helps to run all of our programs throughout the year," she said.
"We are so lucky to be given this opportunity."
BGC Wolf Creek provides safe, supportive places where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence and skills for life, according to the organization's website.
Meanwhile, BGC summer camps kick off July 2 and run through to Aug. 27, Monday to Friday in Ponoka.
The camps run on a ‘per day’ system, so families only have to register their youngsters for the particular days they are interested in.
Each day's activities run from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Weekly themes run the gamut from Master Chef Camp, Release Your Wild Child, and Gamer Week to Pop Culture Week, Super Soaked Adventures and All Star Sports among several others.
Specific activities include everything from swimming, bowling, and gymnastics to time spent with the Ponoka Broncs, a trek to the Ponoka Golf Club and more.
To register online, head to ponoka.bgcwolfcreek.com. There is also eligibility for some folks to receive subsidies for the program through the provincial government — the Alberta Child Care Subsidy Program.
Meanwhile, BGC Wolf Creek - Rimbey is a satellite location to BGC Wolf Creek Ponoka which has been in existence since 2001. The Rimbey operation was launched in 2014. BGC of Wolf Creek also serves Ponoka, Lacombe, Blackfalds, and Bentley.
"First, we are very grateful to Harmon, the owner of the (local) Tim Hortons and his team, for this opportunity to be chosen as the beneficiary of the Smile Cookie campaign," said Ria Lartec, the organization's program director.
"Also to the community of course, who were willing to buy the cookies as well!" Lartec and her own team helped decorate cookies, and enjoyed the experience of seeing folks in general offering to help.
"We also had volunteers from the community that participated, so it was a community effort."
For further information on the camps, call the Ponoka office at 403-783-3112.
