You could call it a Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week throwdown, one that will benefit two organizations as they strive to beat each other regarding who can sell the most of the delicious treats by end of day Sunday, May 4th. It all began with a phone call to us from Morris YFC's Jack Wiebe who wanted to issue a challenge to his colleague Sheridan Sawatzky at Altona YFC/Youth Unlimited.
"We share in the same kind of ministry that we're doing, but we're in different towns, and so we thought it would be fun if we tried to one up each other in cookie sales," said Wiebe while in studio with CFAM Radio 950 Morning Show Co-Host Chris Sumner. And what's on the line? "The loser has to be the assistant or butler of the other director at their drop in centre for a whole day."
Sawatzky was also part of the conversation, and was quick to accept the challenge.
"I have full confidence in the generosity of the people of Altona, which are very fine people, and so yes I do accept this challenge from Jack," he said with confidence.
Rupesh Patel is the owner/operator of the Tim Hortons franchises in Morris and Altona, and with that in mind, this fun addition to the week seemed even more fitting.
Experience versus first-time enthusiasm
"It's been busy," said Sawatzky. "It's been great. This is our first go at it. Jack does have some previous experience, so maybe that gives him a bit of an advantage to us. We've had an amazing group of volunteers helping decorate and box the cookies, and we've had obviously a huge amount of support with pre-sales from local businesses and people. It's been awesome."
Wiebe echoed those comments, but was quick to add, yes, Morris YFC does have an advantage because they have participated in Smile Cookie Week before, but that's not the only reason why.
"We're Morris, that is our advantage," he said confidently. "You know, in the past, we go to businesses, local organizations and give the pitch of Smile Cookie Week and how 100% of the proceeds go to the organizations. We have a lot of leg work to do."
Sawatzky and Wiebe offer elevator pitch
"Why YFC Altona? We we want to see the hope and potential in every young person," stated Sawatzky. "We want to see every young person living fully in Christ. That's YFC's motto, and we're excited about the different ways we do that, and our community has supported that in spades. It's incredible how much support we have. To see how many people want to buy dozens and dozens of cookies to help make that a reality, we're just proud to be part of this community, because it is so generous and so supportive."
"Morris YFC, we got heart and we got kids who need to have a chance to know who Jesus is," said Wiebe. "This money all pays toward the ministry that's going on. Nowadays, kids aren't given an equal opportunity to know that they have a Saviour who loves them, and who values them for who they are. This just helps put that right in the forefront saying, 'You deserve to know that you have a savior who wants to be your best friend, and he loves you just the way you are. He made you the way you are.' This helps get kids to know that Jesus is the right choice, a good choice, and they get to choose."
So, how do you throw your support behind either Altona YFC or Morris YFC? Track down either Sheridan Sawatzky or Jack Wiebe, or reach out through their Facebook pages.