Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Have you figured out how to surprise your loved one, secret crush, or maybe even your best friend? Sure, you could go with the over-priced, long stemmed roses, a fuzzy red pillow with “I Luv U”, or a pair of cheesy silk underwear… but what about a gift that you can give, but also gives to others?
A Loving Spoonful, a Vancouver based, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization providing free, healthy meals and nutritional support to people living with HIV or AIDS, has teamed up with Purdy’s chocolates and Shamin Jewlers to send “CandyGrams” across Canada for Valentine’s day, while raising funds for men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS.
The $10 CandyGrams can be sent anywhere in Canada and include a Valentine’s Day card, two Purdy’s heart-shaped chocolates, lip balm (in case you get chapped lips from kissing too much), mints, and a $15 gift car for Shamin Jewelers online.
“The only thing people receive in the mail these days are flyers and bills – so who wouldn’t appreciate receiving a surprise package for a change?” says Lisa Martella, executive director of A Loving Spoonful. “CandyGrams bring a smile to the face of everyone who receives one and also help raise badly needed funds to provide nutritious meals to those living with HIV/AIDS – it’s truly a Valentine’s Day gift with heart!”
Due to the generosity of the campaign sponsors, proceeds from the sale of CandyGrams will go directly to help those living with HIV and AIDS. Last year the program raised over $20,000, and this year A Loving Spoonful hopes to top that and raise over $28,000 through the CandyGram campaign.
A Loving Spoonful is the only organization in Metro Vancouver that delivers nutritionally planned and ready-made meals to men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. Each year they deliver over 100,000 meals to those in need, and with very little government funding, they rely on the generosity of community and corporate partners alongside fundraising events or programs such as this campaign.
“The CandyGram campaign would not have been possible without the support of Purdy’s, Yelp and Shamin Jewellers,” adds Martella. “Their willingness to contribute has helped make CandyGrams an annual tradition and will make a real impact on the lives of the people we help.”
CandyGrams are on sale now at www.candygram.ca, and a limited number of 3,500 are available for 2012. For on-time delivery (via Canada Post) by Valentine’s Day orders must be placed by February 6, 2012 for Eastern Canada, and February 9, 2012 for Western Canada.
Happy Easter! For years, Cadbury Cream Eggs have been delighting kids and adults alike and have become a delicious Easter tradition. The gooey, cream centre filling is irresistible. If you thought that the original cream eggs were good, wait until you try these fantastic cocktails, honouring these fun Easter edibles.
