Girl Guides' Sarah Bramley delivered a portion of the donated cookies to Haven Society. The donation came from an anonymous purchase totalling $2,500. (Sarah Bramley)

By Alex Rawnsley

COOKIE DOUGH

‘I just want to make some people happy:’ anonymous cookie crusader strikes again

Apr 29, 2020 | 6:06 AM

NANAIMO — In times of great uncertainty for local Girl Guides, an anonymous donor has provided another massive, albeit unique, financial boost.

Following a $1,200 order of Girl Guide Cookies in November 2019, the donor recently completed a $2,520 purchase of the chocolate-vanilla cookies, with money going to support local programs for young women.

Sarah Bramley, a leader for Cedar Sparks (Arbutus District) said the generous donation provides a much needed leg up for their programming once it eventually resumes.

“Because our Sparks can’t go door to door, we can’t go outside grocery stores and do a little sales blitz, this actually helps our unit even more than it typically would because it’s hard to sell cookies right now,” Bramley said.

A total of 503 boxes were split between the Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes food bank and Haven Society. The 504th box was kept by the donor as a treat for their son.

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Bramley said it was another opportunity to teach their unit of five and six year old girls the value of being positive members in a community.

“We have been really big into letting the Sparks have their own journey and learning, but also being able to have them participate in their learning. Being able to teach them the gift of giving and what community resources are out there for them, their family and friends but also things they are able to support as well.”

Bramley added the COVID-19 situation has hit Girl Guides hard with a pause on all their weekly gatherings and check-ins.

The group regularly conducts field trips, arts and crafts projects and other community outings to teach valuable life and leadership skills.

It’s anticipated programming will be shut down until at least the fall.

The donation will stay in the Nanaimo region, helping with admin costs, rent for unit facilities, arts and crafts supplies, field trip expenses and much more.

The donor declined to be interviewed by NanaimoNewsNOW, but told Bramley in a text “I just want to make some people happy.”

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley