THUNDER BAY – The United Way of Thunder Bay has set its most ambitious goal year for its annual Pretzel Day, hoping to sell at least 2,000 of the tasty treats to help them reach their campaign goal.
Sweet North Bakery has added a new twist to this year’s Oct. 2 fundraiser, adding a pumpkin spice pretzel with pumpkin cream cheese to the usual choices, either salted pretzel with mustard dip or a cinnamon pretzel.
Erinn DeLorenzi, who co-owns the bakery with her husband Chris, said preparing up to 2,000 pretzels is a lot of work, but the effort truly makes a difference in the community.
“In our business we see poverty every day. We have large windows and that’s where our bakers stand every day. We recognize the faces out of our window and they pass every day. To know that this is some way that we may make their lives improved, that’s the motivator,” DeLorenzi said, coming off last year’s event, when 1,542 pretzels were sold, raising more than $6,200 for the United Way.
She said it takes their staff of four bakers several days to do the prep work, embellished with help from other staff for weighing and rolling out the dough.
The actual twisting and cooking takes another 20 hours.
“It’s non-stop,” DeLorenzi said.
Andrew Richert, this year’s campaign co-chair, said every little bit helps, adding he’s confident the city has it in them to help them reach their expanded goal this fall.
“I think this is something that’s easily attainable. We had no problem passing 1,500 a year ago, so this year we’ve upped it a little bit and we’re getting more businesses, more campaigns, more groups of friends to join in,” Richert said.
Ontario Power Generation’s Tana-Leigh Harty, whose company sponsors the fundraiser, said partnerships like this are what strengthen communities.
“Commitment to change and aligning yourself with a not-for-profit like United Way Thunder Bay is taking a step in the right direction,” she said.
The ordering deadline is Sept. 30 or the first 2,000 pretzels sold, whichever comes first.
The cost is $6 for a salted or cinnamon pretzel and $8 for the pumpkin spice variety. All orders come with a juice, provided by Renco Family Foods.
To order, email carly.hardick@opg.com. Delivery will take place between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. and noon on Oct. 2. Delivery is free within city limits with a minimum of 10 orders. Smaller offices are encouraged to join forces with neighbouring businesses to take part. Pick-up orders are available at Sweet North Bakery’s Court Street store.
