Haven Society's Sarah Bramley accepts a $5000 matching donation in Country Grocer gift cards from Chase River store manager Tyler Large. (submitted/Sarah Bramley)

By Alex Rawnsley

GIVING BACK

Haven Society fueled for holiday season by anonymous ‘cookie crusader’ donation

Dec 20, 2020 | 7:36 AM

NANAIMO — The mid-Island’s anonymous cookie crusader has struck again, this time making the holidays a little brighter for those in need.

After purchasing $6,000 of Girl Guide cookies over the last 12 months, the man recently made a $5,000 donation to Haven Society which was matched instantly by Country Grocer. The money will bolster Haven’s programs and services over the coming months.

The donor, who spoke to NanaimoNewsNOW under the condition of anonymity, said the money would see local women, youth and children have food and gifts throughout the holiday season.

“For me, that’s really tangible and my dream outcome of a charitable donation around Christmas time would be bringing people together, sharing food and gifts.”

The man hopes his donations inspire others to pay it forward in whatever manner they can.

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“It’s not about a monetary amount, it can literally be bringing your neighbour who might be by themselves some cookies…it’s just doing something positive for other people.”

Haven Society help women, youth and children who are fleeing domestic violence. The group operate transitional and safe housing, with programs and counselling on offer year-round.

“Because of the size of this donation, now we’re able to make sure our clients…will be taken care of well into 2021,” Sarah Bramley, fund development manager for Haven Society, said.

Bramley couldn’t say how many people the money would help due to an unknown influx of clients over the holidays, however estimated it would easily be in the hundreds over the next three to six months.

“We want to make sure the holiday season wasn’t stressful for the clients we serve at Haven Society. With a lot of the obstacles and circumstances they’re in, it can be very stressful.”

alex.rawnsley@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley