Big Brothers Big Sisters of Altona and Winkler saw a record-breaking $15,000 boost from the Tim Horton's Smile Cookie Campaign.

"They completely smashed their goal this year," BBBS Executive Director Jenelle Warkentine says, adding last year funds totalled over $9,000 from the Winkler and Morden Tim Horton's locations. She notes the funds will go a long way in supporting the mentorship program.

While they have a growing waitlist, Warkentine says they don't necessarily rush the process, "We really take that time to make sure it's going to be a good match, they have similar interests, they get along and that it'll be a lasting match."

Warkentin took over the role of Executive Director this summer, overseeing the youth mentoring program based out of Winkler and Altona. Looking ahead, she's hoping to see the mentorship programming continue to expand. BBBS recently added its Go Girls program in Carman.

With only a few other BBBS chapters outside of Winnipeg, Warkentin says they're uniquely situated as the only BBBS organization operating in a rural setting.