Holiday Cookie Campaign

by Bob Montgomery

United Way Perth Huron and Tim Hortons have launched a new Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign.

United Way CEO Ryan Erb says it's similar to the Smile Cookie Campaign they run in the Spring but with a totally different cookie. Erb says until November 19th people can go to Tim Hortons restaurants in Blyth, Clinton and Seaforth to pick up the new Holiday Smile Cookie for $1.50 each, with proceeds being split 50/50 between the United Way's Urgent Needs Fund and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. Erb explains the Urgent Needs Fund is an opportunity for lower income individuals to receive cash in a time of crisis. He says that could mean paying a bill they don't have money to pay, or repairing a car so they can get to work, and even just paying for a prescription. Those in need can start the process by calling 211.

Erb says most people don't think about what they might need in an emergency until they're in the emergency and at that point it can be very difficult to know what you need or how to get it. He says 211 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the phone will be answered by a tele-councillor who can help you. He says if you're in a crisis that tele-councillor will connect you with the organization that can help you. If you're not in crisis they can give you contact information for what you need or even help you with financial concerns through the Urgent Needs Fund.

Dan Moynihan is the owner of the Tim Hortons Restaurants in Blyth, Clinton and Seaforth and he says partnering with the United Way helps them help people in their communities and he says all of the funds from the Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign flow through to people who need it most.