The Nicola Valley Food Bank got a big surprise on Thursday.
Manager Derlanda Hewton knew she was coming into Tim Hortons to receive a cheque from the annual Smile Cookie campaign, she she did not know how large it would be.
She originally guessed it would be around $7,000. It turned out to be $13,084 to be exact.
“It is a very big surprise,” said Hewton. “We’re very humbled. We’re thankful that they thought of us, and for all of the donators that came through town, and our community supporters.
“It’s an amazing experience to know that people give to charities that really need it.”
Merritt Tim Hortons owners Rohini and Rajesh Bassan, Manager Sonia Kamboj, and several other employees were on-hand to present Hewton with the cheque.
Hewton said that the funds will mostly be going to food purchases.
“We’ve been trying to get more fresh vegetables for our clients, because our clients are mostly seniors, and people with disabilities that actually need the extra nutritional value.”
The Food Bank spends about $4,000 per month on fresh vegetables.
“It takes a lot to run a food bank, so this is really going to help us out.”
