A Chilliwack dental office is wanting to save kids' teeth by exchanging cash for candy.
On Nov. 5, Promontory Dental will be offering kids $1 per pound of Halloween candy up to five pounds.
Children will also be given goody bags full of toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, and other such items for their candy donation.
"Everyone understands that it's fun to get dressed up and collect candy, but they collect so much," said Cindy Reuter office manager. "And in the dental industry, we see the effects that five pounds of candy can have on teeth if a child is allowed to eat it all or chooses to eat it all."
Cash for Candy is not a new concept. Several dental offices in the United States have been organizing similar save the teeth campaigns for a few years now.
Reuter said the idea was a no brainer for her office. The intent is to help create a healthier community – starting from the kids up.
"We're not telling them not to eat it, we're just telling them to make the selections of the ones they really like, and then the ones they hum and haw about, bring to us," said Reuter, who hopes to receive 750 pounds of candy.
"We're trying to promote healthier choices."
But what on earth would a dental office do with that much candy?
Donate it to the food bank.
Several families in Chilliwack rely on the food bank, which doesn't always have a large supply of treats to offer. This would give them a hefty supply.
"This would allow children and adults to have snacks longer throughout the course of the year, versus just one time," said Reuter.
The dental office will also be donating toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss to the food bank.
Cash for Candy is on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Promontory Dental, which is located at 200-5973 Vedder Road.
For more information contact 604-824-4988.