Girl Guides of Canada Warns Against Cookie Scams Targeting Buyers

Two chapters of the Girl Guides of Canada have issued a warning regarding a potential scam involving their renowned cookies. The chapters in Sault Ste. Marie and Marathon reported instances of individuals soliciting money for cookies on social media without any affiliation to the organization.

Hunter Mcilroy, a community guider for Sault Ste. Marie, stated, “Apparently, there’s some people in Sault Ste. Marie and even Marathon that have been posting that they’re selling cookies, but they don’t have any and they’re collecting money.” She emphasized that these individuals are not part of their organization, and the local Girl Guides have only just begun to receive their cookies for sale.

McIlroy clarified that the only legitimate sellers are a few girls from her unit. She expressed concern over the scam, stating, “We have a limited amount to sell from, so they should definitely not be selling prior to receiving their cookies.”

In a bid to protect customers, both chapters have urged buyers to only pay for cookies upon pick-up or delivery. The Marathon Girl Guides posted a reminder: “We will never ask for payment before drop off. Payment happens at the time of cookie drop off, be it cash, card or e-transfer. We will never ask you to pay for cookies you have not received and that you cannot physically see in person.”

Residents in Sault Ste. Marie can purchase cookies at Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel or Bumbolina Studio. Furthermore, community members can order cookies through the local Girl Guide cookies Facebook page or utilize the Girl Guides of Canada cookie finder feature to locate sales.

The situation is particularly disheartening for McIlroy, who worries that these scams could tarnish the reputation of the Girl Guides organization. “It negatively impacts the trust for us,” she noted. “This is a fundraiser for our girls – so if we lose trust, we lose funding.”

Proceeds from the cookie sales support a variety of programming for Girl Guide members, with all funds remaining within the community where the cookies are sold. “Each unit gets what they sell. If we’re not selling, per unit, the girls aren’t raising money to fundraise for camps, programming, fun activities, and all that kind of stuff,” McIlroy explained.

The Girl Guides’ commitment to community engagement and fundraising is crucial for its various programs. Keeping the public informed about these scams is essential to maintaining the trust and support they have built over the years.