Every February, heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies start popping up across Niagara-on-the-Lake — and with them, a familiar show of community support for Red Roof Retreat.
Now in its fourth year, Jody Vermolen is turning Valentine’s Day cookies into thousands of dollars for Red Roof, a registered NOTL charity that provides respite and recreational programs for children, youth and young adults with special needs and their families across Niagara.
The fundraiser usually raises just under $4,000 each year.
“Things are going really, really well,” Vermolen said. “What we did two years ago — we’ve already surpassed that amount.”
Asked about exact totals or targets, she laughed and said, “Oh, I don’t need any bad mojo.”
Feb. 9 is the last day to order cookies and funds will be presented to Red Roof on Feb. 11.
Residents can order cookies directly through Vermolen by calling or texting 905-327-3158, or by direct message on Facebook or Instagram under Jody Vermolen or @Grammies.she.shed.
“There’s only 17 days left to get your orders in,” Vermolen said.
She said the fundraiser is simple and accessible. Cookies are sold in half-dozen packages — $10 for regular chocolate chip and $12 for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. There are no limits to how many packages can be purchased per person.
Buyers choose their pickup or delivery dates and Vermolen also delivers cookies to Red Roof locations.
“It’s nice that it’s a smaller kind of a fundraiser, because everybody can get around it,” she said.
The heart shape ties into Valentine’s Day, which Vermolen said fits Red Roof’s “All You Need Is Love” message.
“It’s definitely a community support thing,” she said. “It’s like a simple, giant bake sale.”
“And what keeps me coming back? It’s just a way for me to give back,” said Vermolen.
“They have supported my sister for a little over 10 years,” she said. “I just appreciate them greatly for all that they do, for all of the families.”
Beyond fundraising, Vermolen said the sale helps spread awareness about Red Roof and the role it plays in the community.
“My sister, and all of everybody else that they support, basically — they keep the kids properly socialized,” she said. “They make sure that everyone is very visible in the community.”
She mentioned the number of activities Red Roof’s participants take part in, like going to the library, swimming, hanging out at the park and more.
“It just makes their lives so much better.”
Vermolen said many people learn about Red Roof through the cookie sale and continue supporting the organization after learning more. “The community loves Red Roof,” she said.
“It’s just a way to get information out there about something that’s really wonderful and supportive,” she added.
She said there’s a sense of momentum as the organization moves ahead with a new expansion. “It’s total excitement.”
Vermolen bakes so many cookies each year that she eventually stops counting. “But it is a lot,” she said.
For her, it’s a simple idea with a tangible impact.
“Red Roof has so much respect from their community, and to be able to be a part of that, and to be able to support that, why wouldn’t you want to?” she said.
“I enjoy doing it — and it’s easy.”
