Each spring, a small army of Girl Guides (and Sparks and Brownies and Pathfinders) go out into the community to sell the organization's famous chocolate and vanilla cookies — 3.7 million boxes across Canada.
Along with the mint chocolate Girl Guide cookies sold in the fall, it's the organization's major fundraiser.
“The girls are so committed and passionate about cookies,” said Keri Tache, Girl Guides of Canada's administrative community leader for community 34, which includes Greater Sudbury.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the country, Girl Guides — including the more than 300 girls who belong to a pack here in town — haven't been able to sell cookies door-to-door this spring.
Don't worry, cookie fans! Several retailers have stepped up to make sure that you can get a box of cookies (or a case, if you've got the munchies — no shame here).
Locally, the Canadian Tire in the South End, the Metro in New Sudbury and the Foodland stores in Garson, Capreol and Espanola are selling the cookies.
(A note about Canadian Tire – it's on curbside service only, but cookies can be ordered online or over the phone for in-person pickup).
“They're just selling for $5 a box,” said Tache, a Guide leader herself in Callander, near North Bay. “They're not making any money on it. They're bringing all that money back to Girl Guides.”
If you feel inspired to buy cookies, Tache said the support is appreciated, as it allows the volunteer organization to continue to do what it does best — providing girls aged five to 17 with new experiences and challenges.
“And to do that, we need to sell cookies,” she said.
