THUNDER BAY – Why go out to get your own pretzels when the United Way of Thunder Bay, Sweet North Bakery and Ontario Power Generation have teamed up to bring them to you.
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, the three organizations will be delivering pre-ordered batches of pretzels to businesses and homes throughout the city, the proceeds of which will be used to support this year’s annual fundraising campaign.
For $5.50, hungry community-minded people can choose either a salted pretzel with a mustard dip or a cinnamon pretzel and a juice.
Delivery is free with a minimum of 10 orders.
It’s a great cause, said Sweet North co-owner Erinn DeLorenzi, who has taken part in the past three Pretzel Days.
“The United Way helps all of our neighbours in the city. They touch each neighbourhood and all different economic classes of people. We just felt it’s the best way to reach all those people at one time,” DeLorenzi said.
The United Way of Thunder Bay, whose annual campaign kicks off next Wednesday, funds more than two dozen agencies in the city, affecting about one in every three people.
Campaign chair Stephanie Noel said it’s a successful event and always fun.
“Who doesn’t love pretzels?” she asked. “They’re fresh and delicious. And the event sells out really fast. So we’re really happy to have The Sweet North Bakery and Renco Foods partnering with us for this event.
“This year pre-orders are happening until Sept. 24 at noon. So we encourage everybody to go to www.uwaytbay.ca and make your order.”
Businesses who might not be able to cobble together 10 orders to qualify for free delivery can partner with a neighbouring business, or someone from the office can come to the Court Street bakery and pick the order up in person, with the added bonus of $1 coffee.
Those who miss out on the deadline can still take part, as $1 from every pretzel sold in store that day will go to the United Way.
OPG spokeswoman Tana-Leigh Harty said the United Way of Thunder Bay is OPG’s charity of choice in the city, and staff are only too happy to take part each year, manning the delivery vehicles from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We’ve been participating in the same event for over 20 years now. This is the third year for Pretzel Day and before that it was Bagel Day. Pretzel Day is a hit. We sell out almost every year and we’re really happy to support it,” Harty said. “It’s an employee driven event. They donate their time to help make it a success.”
