They call it ‘Operation Sprinkles.’
Cookies decorated by Regina elementary school students will be delivered to war veterans living in care homes Tuesday.
The cookies are decorated like poppies by students involved in École St. Elizabeth’s Club du Souvenir as a way to pay their respects ahead of Remembrance Day.
Grade 8 student Evan Lizée said he hopes the simple gesture shows veterans they’re appreciated.
“Their legacies and stories are not being forgotten; the youth are carrying on their stories,” he said.
Lizée added it’s important for younger generations to take time to learn about what veterans gave to their country.
Fellow Grade 8 student Anica Metz agreed, saying it felt good to take time to appreciate those who fought for our freedom.
“Just seeing them, how happy they are when they get one of these things because a lot of people forget. It just brings joy to me to see the looks on their faces,” Metz said Monday after helping to ice and bag the cookies donated by Sinfully Sweet Bakery.
She said the poppy cookies symbolize remembrance and are a simple way to give back to veterans.
Teacher and club organizer Carolynne Kobelsky explained she was first approached four years ago by Regina’s legion branch about the idea of students decorating and legion members delivering the cookies to veterans. The legion didn’t have the manpower to decorate all of the cookies.
“We can do 100 cookies for 100 veterans in about 20 minutes,” Kobelsky said, noting it’s a simple way to show them their sacrifices are remembered.
She said they give cookies to veterans on other special occasions throughout the year, whenever they want to send over a little pick-me-up.
After four years, Kobelsky said she knows the veterans look forward to their cookie deliveries.
“For those who are still at a point in their life where they know what’s happening – because we know they’re declining in health – I think for those who are aware of what’s going on, I think it really just shows them that there is a young generation that cares about them and wants to remember.”
Kobelsky added sometimes it can be pretty hard to thank a veteran who’s in a care home, and this is a way they can.
“What kind of a gift do you give someone who has fought for their country, who has fought to make our world a better place?”
She said a cookie is just a nice way to brighten a veteran’s day.
— With files from Jessie Anton