Okotoks, Alta., business donates an entire day's sales to Ukraine

Running a small business can be a financial challenge and every receipt helps, but an Okotoks, Alta., entrepreneur decided to sacrifice a day's worth of revenue to help relief efforts in Ukraine.

Covet Sips + Sweets co-owner Meagan Layton wanted to do something to raise money for Ukraine, so she decided to donate 100 per cent of her sales on Saturday to the Canada Ukraine Foundation.

That means every penny of everything sold at a time when the business is still in its growing phase. The one-year-old business is set up in shipping containers on the outskirts of Okotoks, just south of Calgary.

"I think generosity has to hurt a little bit to do the good that it needs to do. I think giving in a convenient way doesn't change a person. And, you know, to grow as a human and to do good, you've got to go big," Layton said.

Word of mouth drew customers in droves to help Layton pay it forward.

"It's incredible and you know your money is going to the right place," said Lindsey Dunham while waiting her turn in the drive-thru.

Jodi Chadney said knowing 100 per cent of the proceeds were being donated was the reason she was there.

"It makes it a hundred times more meaningful," she said.

Layton, who has no Ukrainian heritage in her family, said the event was not sparked by an ethnic connection, but a human connection.

"I've got a coffee shop, I've got cookies, and so I'm just trying to put a dent in the pain that's going on in the world right now," she said.

Layton's goal was to raise $5,000 one treat at a time. She exceeded that goal — at closing time at 10 p.m., she had raised $8,000.