Courage Cookies donation supports 20 Fort Erie families

Thirty families in Niagara, including 20 Fort Erie families, received grocery support collectively worth over $1,900 this holiday season through a Courage Cookies donation drive aimed at easing food insecurity.

An anonymous donor contributed an additional $1,800, allowing the program to expand beyond an initial plan to help 10 households.

The program has operated since 2020 and runs each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Since launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has donated more than $120,000 to community causes, primarily in Toronto.

“We provide groceries for families experiencing food insecurity,” said Chelsea Hearty, owner of Courage Cookies, to Fort Erie Radio. “Families get a turkey, everything they need to make a holiday meal and then a few extras to help them along the way as well.”

Families were identified through posts shared on Courage Cookies’ social media and local Facebook groups. Applicants completed an online form and coordinated delivery or pickup directly.

Courage Cookies products are sold occasionally at two Crystal Beach locations, Gather Tasting Room and Mellow Yellow Sips.

Hearty said limited local sales affect how much funding can stay in Niagara.

“The more cookies that get out into the Niagara region, the more that we’ll be able to support the Niagara region.”

Hearty plans to expand sales in Fort Erie significantly within the next year by working with more local businesses for distribution.

In January, the business plans to use December revenue to distribute winter clothing such as boots, hats and blankets to people experiencing homelessness.

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