The La Bouffe Additionnelle is partnering with the Tim Horton’s restaurant in Huntingdon as the beneficiary of this year’s Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign.
“Our goal is to raise $18,000,” says Sylvie Racette, the director of the regional food pantry that assists individuals and families facing food insecurity across 15 municipalities. Already this year, over 400 households have benefitted from the services at La Bouffe Additionnelle, where over 36,061 kilograms of food were recovered and redistributed to those in need.
Racette says the demand for food support continues to grow, and she is anticipating providing at least 400 holiday food baskets this December. She says the food pantry is relying on the community’s help to meet this goal through food donations, financial support, and cookie sales.
La Bouffe Additionnelle will receive the proceeds from the sales of Smile Cookies in Huntingdon during the holiday campaign, where every cookie sold raises $1 for the organization. Cookie presales can now be reserved, and dozens of boxes have already been purchased.
Dan Lajeunesse, the director of operations at the local restaurant, says his team is more than ready for their first campaign. Having grown up in Sainte-Barbe, he says he is particularly happy to be supporting a local cause. He says he is optimistically aiming to bake 2,000 dozen cookies.
“What I really like about these campaigns is that they mobilize everyone,” says Lajeunesse. “Everyone can be part of the campaign’s success,” he adds.
Preparing for the holiday rush
Racette says the annual food basket campaign is well underway. The organization is, however, looking for donations of specific items in large enough quantities to be included in every basket, such as butter, juice, and cake or muffin mixes. She notes that items such as rice or pasta are easier to accumulate.
At least 160 households have already signed up to receive a basket. The registration period will remain open until December 1; however, Racette encourages those who would like a basket to reserve sooner than later. She says she hopes to avoid a waiting list.
La Bouffe is also looking to recruit volunteers for the basket delivery, which is scheduled to take place on December 13 at the Parish Hall in Huntingdon.
Racette says that in the meantime, she hopes the community will support the cookie campaign. More information, as well as a form to preorder boxes of the festive treats, is now available online at labouffeadditionnelle.com.