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Library raises funds for breast cancer research

Bookworms with a hankering for sweet treats were able to feed their sweet tooth and donate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
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Donna Bain eyes up some of the tasty cookies for sale at the Ponoka Jubilee Library Aug. 23.

Bookworms with a hankering for sweet treats were able to feed their sweet tooth and donate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) Aug. 23 at the Ponoka Jubilee Library.

It was organized by summer reading co-ordinator Jenica Kostiuk who was inspired by an ad asking would-be cooks to raise funds for breast cancer using a program called Cook for the Cure. It encourages people to host a dinner party or other food events and raise money at the same time.

The decision to host came mid-July.

“We all pitched in and we all brought our own special dishes,” explained Kostiuk.

Library staff baked their favourite cookies, including maple sandwich cookies; marshmallow squares with ribbon icing, chocolate chip cookies, and several gluten free selections.

One of the goals for Kostiuk was to raise $1,000 and “to raise awareness that people like me can be affected.”

She signed up with the program and had an organizer from CBCF assist with putting on the fundraiser who gives support on how to advertise the event and supply information packets and ribbons.

Library manager Norma-Jean Colquhoun was glad to help out. “I’m glad that she (Kostiuk) took the initiative.”

It took hours of baking to bring the tantalizing desserts to the table as well as bring pink punch to stay with the theme.

Library clerk Janice Baron had high hopes for the fundraiser. Her daughter baked the treats, including the pink-ribboned marshmallow squares.

“I’m hoping we raise lots of money. I’ve had friends and family affected by breast cancer,” explained Baron.

An online donation account was set up by Kostiuk for those who were unable to attend the fundraiser, the link is available at the Ponoka Jubilee Library website at: http://ponokalibrary.prl.ab.ca/. Online donations close Aug. 29.

According to CBCF the Cook for the Cure program has raised more than $2.1 million since its 2002 start in Canada. The estimate is that 22,700 Canadian women and 200 Canadian men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012.

The fundraiser made $900 over the course of the day.