Smile Cookie campaign to benefit A Way Home Kamloops until Sunday

Wednesday (April 29) morning at the Tim Hortons on Pow Wow Trail, an army of volunteers helped decorate the latest batch of cookies. Owner Joe Quewezance says it was an easy decision for store owners to pick this year’s beneficiary because of the work the organization does.

“It’s important to continue to support communities and support groups like A Way Home Kamloops that is addressing a real need,” Quewezance said. “It’s great that we can do a cookie that can raise so much money, while supporting the great programs that they’re providing for our young people.”

Cookies are $2 each and each one features the distinctive pink and blue smile icing. Genshorek says every cookie sold puts a smile on her face as it helps fund current and future programs at A Way Home Kamloops.

“We’re really focusing on growing our Scattered Sites housing program. We provide independent housing for youth and supports where they live all around the community, so we really need to grow that program,” Genshorek said.

“We really want to start a new program for youth who are under 19 as there’s a huge gap for youth ages 16 to 19 who have nowhere else to go.”

This is the second year in a row when proceeds from the spring Smile Cookie campaign will benefit A Way Home Kamloops. Last year’s campaign raised just shy of $35,000, and Genshorek is optimistic that this year’s will top that.

“Every single dollar helps and we really appreciate the chance to provide awareness to the community as well and to connect with people and let them know what A Way Home is all about,” she said.

by Victor Kaisar

Smile Cookie campaign to benefit A Way Home Kamloops until Sunday

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