For residents like Brighton’s 99-year-old Lorne Mason, Community Care Northumberland’s (CCN) Meals on Wheels program does so much more than just help with food.
Through meal deliveries, Mason is also connected socially – he has a lifeline into the community he’s called home since the 70s.
And starting next week, if you’re up to treating yourself, you can help sweeten the holidays for thousands of residents like Mason who often turn to CCN for help with nutrition, wellness, transportation, and more.
That’s right, the scrumptious white chocolate sugar cookie – infused with red and green sprinkles and a hand-decorated white icing smile face – known as the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is back.
Starting Monday, Nov. 18, at the Brighton Elizabeth Street Tims’ location, 100 per cent of the proceeds from every cookie sold through to Sunday, Nov. 24 will be helping CCN and Tim Hortons’ Foundation Camps.
“We’re hoping everybody buys Holiday Smile Cookies to support all of the people that we provide support for,” says Joel Scott, director of donor relations and communications for CCN and Ed’s House.
Scott tells us every $1.50 cookie (plus tax) sold will help CCN at a critical time of year when need is amplified.
“So, every dollar counts, every donation counts (and) in this case, every cookie counts.”
He tells us more about the supports CCN offers across Northumberland.
And with the simple purchase of a cookie, you’ll be helping with these services that more than 5,000 residents rely on yearly.
But the work CCN staff and volunteers do go beyond help with a lift to a medical appointment or help around the home. The organization helps keep people living independently in their homes longer, helps keep people active, connected, and more, explains Scott.
This includes residents like Mason, who has been a Meals on Wheels client for eight some years.
Chatting with him recently about the impact this program has had was incredible, shares Scott.
He talked about the food, of course, that it was great, always delivered on schedule and how that makes life easier – but delving deeper, it turns out these deliveries have translated into incredibly meaningful experiences and connections, says Scott.
“It gave us a real appreciation for the difference that staff (and volunteers) make in the lives of the people (who) we serve, and this is one story among literally thousands …” continues Scott.
Scott is hoping the community will answer the call and come out and have some fun with the team during next week’s campaign. Volunteers will be out in full force, he notes.
Whether you’re swinging by for coffee and a cookie, or placing a bulk order for the team, workplace or your friends and family, it all helps, notes the CCN team.
Wondering how to do that? Bulk orders can be placed in advance by downloading a pre-order form from CCN’s website and emailing it to ccndonorinfo@commcare.ca, or by calling 905-885-0466.
“We are incredibly grateful to be part of the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign this year,” adds Trish Baird, CEO of CCN. “Every cookie purchased helps us continue providing essential support to those in need – it’s a sweet way for residents to make a meaningful impact.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)