It's hard to think of a time when a cookie might not make things better, but for Girl Guides across Vancouver - and Canada - the organization's cookie sales mean so much for the young girls who take part in Guiding.
Cookie sales are a crucial fundraiser for the Girl Guides of Canada, and starting the first week of October, they're selling the popular chocolate mint cookies Canadians have come to love.
Girl Guides sell 4.5 million boxes of cookies coast-to-coast each year, representing about 100 million cookies altogether.
The chocolatey-mint cookies are $6 box and are available across Metro Vancouver and B.C.
While you might have found yourself facing a table of cookie boxes and eager Girl Guides and fumbling for some cash, the non-profit has upped its tech, with many of the troupes having Square readers on hand to make purchases easier.
One hundred per cent of the proceeds from cookie sales support Guiding programs, from their troupe's fun activities to camping and adventuring or special travel experiences.
The Guides build skills by selling cookies, including money and time management, self-confidence, and teamwork.
“As a volunteer Guider, I see how cookies make magic happen every week! We use cookie funds to power all of our weekly activities and special adventures that build girls' confidence and leadership skills," says Vancouver Guider Diamond Isinger.
Mayna Charlston, a Guide in East Vancouver, knows firsthand how important cookie sales are to her and her local troupe.
"I have learned how to sell cookies door to door in Vancouver and how to talk to different supporters or customers," shares Charlston. "Selling these cookies helps me and my group raise money for our camps and supplies!"
Isinger adds that chocolate mint cookie time is a great time to remember that Girl Guides always need help from caring locals, including here in Vancouver.
"Cookie season is a great time to consider getting involved with Girl Guides - we want to reach even more B.C. youth with these cookie-powered experiences but cannot do so without the support of more volunteers," explains Isinger.
"My own Vancouver group alone has 25+ kids on our waitlist and many other local groups are in high demand with youth hoping to join Girl Guides and waiting for role models like you! Get involved with Guiding to give back to your community, connect with other passionate people, and be part of our sweet sisterhood.”
And while those who buy the cookies from Guides know how delightful it is to snack on the sweet treats, that happiness goes both ways.
"I like the feeling of giving Girl Guide cookies to people and seeing the joy on their faces," adds Charlston.
Use the Cookie Finder to find Girl Guide cookies near you.
