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Helping children in two provinces at Overwaitea in Golden

Children’s hospitals are one of the main things the store raises money for throughout the year.
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A cupcake fundraiser at Overwaitea in Golden raised $1

Overwaitea in Golden works hard to help children’s hospitals in both British Columbia and Alberta.

Dwayne Westlund is the store manager at Overwaitea in Golden. He said the children’s hospitals are one of the main things the store raises money for throughout the year.

“A lot of people like to donate to the Alberta Children’s Hospital as well. Many of the people from here use the Alberta hospital due to the fact that it is closer to us,” Westlund said. “I think it is very important. People see us as being in B.C. But for us, many of our children go to Alberta, so it is nice to give them the opportunity to give to both Alberta and B.C.”

Shelly Soles is one of the workers at Overwaitea who helps organize fundraising events.

Soles said the store recently held its fourth annual cupcake sale which raise over $1,100. This event happened only a week after they raised $850 from a hot dog sale.

For the cupcake sale, Dairy Queen in Golden donated all of the cupcake containers to Overwaitea.

Westlund said there is a great deal of community businesses who come together for different fundraisers.

“It is huge for us to work together. It is all going to the same cause which makes a good partnership in town,” he said.

The store also does round ups with their cashiers. During these events customers are asked if they would like to round up their bill to the next dollar with the proceeds going to the hospitals.

These fundraisers also have a fun side for customers of the store.

“When we have those challenges, if the cashiers meet a certain goal, then our manager and assistant manager will dress up like a hot dog, cupcake, a bunny or a turkey for a day,” Soles said.

The store in Golden usually looks to raise between $7,000 and $10,000 a year through the various fundraisers.

This year they have already raised over that mark with time left for other challenges.

“It generates a lot of money and it generates a very positive atmosphere. We try and make it as fun as possible for every person involved,” Westlund said. “It is all about the kids. You do not realize how important it is until you have to use it. It is a very good organization and I love to support it.”

Overwaitea staff can also have a donation taken straight off of their pay checks to aid in the fundraising. The staff also gets help from some of their younger family members who volunteer during the events.

“It is great to see the young kids come forward and realize how important it is to volunteer,” Soles said.

Westlund wanted to say thank you to all of the customers who have donated generously over the years.

“Thanks to the generous customers who shop here. They are the ones that make all of what we do possible,” he said.