With the season of giving upon us, the Comox Valley is rallying together to stand by YANA (You Are Not Alone) using both time-honoured traditions and exciting new fundraising methods.
From Nov. 13-19, the four Tim Hortons stores in the Comox Valley have chosen YANA as their charity partner for the inaugural national Holiday SMILE Cookie campaign. The delicious white chocolate chunk cookies with red and green baked-in sprinkles are $1.50 each, and the entire proceeds of the sales will be shared equally between YANA and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
鈥淎ll the funds raised from the cookies will be used to assist our families travelling outside the Comox Valley to access medical care for their children,鈥� said YANA executive director Kelly Barnie. 鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly thankful to Tim Hortons for embracing our cause with this new campaign. We鈥檙e hoping our supporters will jump on board by pre-ordering cookies by the dozen, too.鈥�
Pre-order your cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbours, surprise your child鈥檚 sports team, daycare or class, enjoy with colleagues, serve at holiday gatherings (they can be frozen!), or perhaps keep them all for yourself - the choice is yours.
But the sweet support doesn鈥檛 stop at cookies; YANA鈥檚 handcrafted Christmas Crackers, available starting Nov. 12 at seven retailers across the Valley, promise even more joy. Each $5 cracker contains the usual delights, with 49 crackers boasting special prizes like lotto tickets and $50, $100 and $250 Quality Foods gift cards. One lucky cracker holds a 14 karat white gold ring with nine brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.9 carats of beautiful bling.
Spreading holiday joy and making a positive impact in the Comox Valley is as simple as a quick click.
Charitable donations to YANA can be made as gifts by visiting
As a donor, you鈥檙e not only giving a thoughtful present but also helping our shared community thrive. When you make your generous donation, you鈥檒l instantly receive a heartwarming e-card that can be shared with your loved ones, ensuring your gift is a perfect fit every time.
While the Driftwood Mall Christmas Trees for YANA won鈥檛 be returning this year, YANA is thrilled to announce that the mall will be launching an all-new spring fundraiser in support of the charity.
鈥淲e wanted to be able to work closely with YANA鈥檚 staff and volunteers at a time of year that would work well for them, and provide them with an infusion of donations during the months when they don鈥檛 have another major fundraising event bringing in much-needed funds for Comox Valley families,鈥� said Michele Paget, marketing director at BGO.
As the holiday season concludes, stay tuned for more information about this exciting new fundraiser.
鈥淲e supported about 200 children and their families with 400 medical trips last year alone,鈥� said Barnie. 鈥淵ANA has been assisting local families for almost four decades, so when you purchase a cookie, a cracker, or make a donation, there鈥檚 a good chance you could be making a difference for a family you might encounter in the shopping line or while you鈥檙e enjoying your cookies and double-double at Tims.鈥�
Find Smile Cookie pre-order forms, and a Christmas Crackers retailer list at y
