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PHOTOS: Harrison non-profit Team Ryder Society prepares for launch

Young Harrison entrepreneur puts his dog treat business toward an even greater good

The earthy smell of freshly baked dog cookies wafted through the kitchen at the Agassiz Agricultural Hall. 

"Team Ryder" was hard at work on Friday (Jan. 10) morning, baking hundreds of bone-shaped dog cookies for Agassiz Elementary Secondary School's winter grad fundraiser. Led by Tommy's Choice Dog Cookies founder Ryder Newhouse, the four-person effort yielded hundreds of bags of dog treats, ready for students to sell. 

Tommy's Choice was founded after Ryder participated in a student work program in 2021, and the business itself is named after Ryder's own guide dog. Proceeds from Tommy's Choice Dog Cookies go to the B.C. and Alberta Guide Dogs. 

Lillian Newhouse said they had made between 400 and 500 bags of dog cookies for AESS's fundraiser during their time in the commercial kitchen last Friday. 

The Newhouse family – along with a board of advisors – are working to get the Team Ryder Society off the ground as a new non-profit organization dedicated to inclusion of those living with disabilities. The Team Ryder Society stems from Ryder – who himself lives with autism – along with a team of four adults with the Chilliwack Society for Community Living's Life program, who call themselves "Team Ryder." 

Among the original Team Ryder's accomplishments was a successful campaign to make and sell the dog cookies at the Christmas Craft Market in Chilliwack last fall. 

Lillian said one of the main goals of the up-and-coming Team Ryder Society would be to help those living with disabilities to gain valuable job experience. 

"(The Team Ryder Society) allows us to not worry if they're making a quota or doing everything the way they're supposed to be doing it," she said. "(As long as) they give it a really good try and learn as they're going."

The Team Ryder Society is still in its early stages as the non-profit awaits a business number.

"We have a really great team who really wants to see this succeed," Lillian said. "We just have to give it some time." 

The Tommy's Choice team has been baking out of the Agassiz commercial kitchen since last November, working closely with the Agassiz Agricultural And Horticultural Association. 

"They've been super to us," Lillian added. Before baking in Agassiz, Fergie's Pet Bakery, formerly in downtown Chilliwack, hosted Ryder and his family to make Tommy's Choice cookies. 

Tommy's Choice Dog Cookies are available in 18 locations across B.C., including seven in Chilliwack-Rosedale and five in Agassiz-Harrison. Learn more online at tommyschoicedogcookies.ca. 

– With files from Jenna Hauck 



Adam Louis

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