While a sweet treat might be an occasional guilty pleasure, last week at Tim Hortons, a special doughnut was selling like hotcakes.
That doughnut — chocolate cake, slathered in white frosting, multi-coloured sprinkles and whipped cream — was a guilt-free taste of decadence, as it was made and sold specifically to raise funds for Special Olympics programs across Canada.
Special Olympics NWT was no exception in this annual nationwide event. The organization will be the recipient of all the money raised in Yellowknife during the Feb. 2-4 sale, said Lexie Letzing, sport program coordinator for Special Olympics NWT.
“The unique thing about the campaign is that 100 per cent of the proceeds raised within your province or territory stay within your province or territory,” Letzing said.
Although the total amount raised was not yet calculated by press time, she said during last year’s campaign, about $700. was raised. This year, on Friday alone, they were already temporarily sold out of several hundred doughnuts by 11 a.m.
“So, I’m very confident we were able to raise more money and break our records from last year within the first day of the campaign,” Letzing said.
Needed funds
This is an important fundraising event for Special Olympics NWT, Letzing noted, and it was a hit as around 800 doughnuts were sold.
Around 500 were pre-ordered; the City of Yellowknife was one organization that had several hundred ordered in advance, she added.
With approximately 60 athletes, ranging from children to adults, the multi-sport organization offers 10 programs, including bowling, swimming, speed skating, gymnastics and seasonal programs, such as track and field.
“They’re not just getting an opportunity for physical activity. They’re getting an opportunity for socialization.
“And socialization is such a key important pillar in our everyday life. And for these athletes to be able to network and socialize among themselves well, and also in a physical activity, is very important,” Letzing said.
In general, fundraisers are essential in keeping these programs running throughout the year, especially since the pandemic, she added.
“So we actually just launched our second fundraiser of the year, which is the Polar Plunge. The Polar Plunge had taken a five-year hiatus, specifically due to Covid,” she said.
“But we were happy to bring it back this year. And the Polar Plunge is a national fundraising event that happens across the country in Special Olympics chapters.
“And it’s done so in part with an organization called LETR — the Law Enforcement Torch Relay — and that is in conjunction with law enforcement officers.”
Letzing said that event will happen on March 24 at the Arctic Duchess location near Joliffe Island, where an open plunge site is located for the chilly submersion into the lake.
Another fun fundraiser will occur later in the year with the Pick-a-Chick campaign, she added.
Good sports wanted
Letzing said volunteers are always welcomed at the organization.
“I feel like our world needs more inclusivity, so people wanting to get involved and learn more about our chapter are always welcome to volunteer. And we’re always looking for volunteers.”
—By Jill Westerman