THE HAPPY TIME TRUCK NEEDS YOU!

Hi, I'm Laura, the creator of The Happy Time Truck. It's been my absolute pleasure to have served you the past 9 years. In this crazy, mixed up world where so much seems to be going wrong and little seems right any more, I've felt my small roll of bringing a little joy people's way has become more important every day.

Our childrens' futures are not near as bright as they once were. Many have found it difficult to even leave their parent's homes as low paying employment entry jobs often don't cover even the most humblest of rental accommodations. Parents struggle more and more trying to come up with creative ways to handle discipline, keep their homes running smoothly and find funding for the important extracurricular activities necessary to see their children thrive. It's a stressful world for families today.

I can do nothing to change any of the above. What I can do, however, at least I could until recently, is help to create some happy childhood memories. I can bring a little joy everyone's way six months a year, a little excitement, a little something to look forward to during our ever increasing hot season. This little bit of joy has always extended to the parents and children of all ages. Navigating parenthood while holding down jobs and caring for homes and loved ones is stressful. Everyone needs a little distraction from the burdens they carry.

I've always been very proud to ensure, the best I can, that The Happy Time Truck is an inclusive service that takes care of everyone, leaving no one out unnecessarily. For example, I would never let 2 kids in a group of 5 kids leave empty handed. I would always call them back and ask why they didn't get anything. If the first words out of their mouths were that they didn't have any money, I would insist they come back and get something. It's always been very important to me that not one child is left out. (This is a balancing act of course. I must make sure I'm not being taken advantage of.) And besides, it wouldn't be The Happy Time Truck if it left a bunch of sad faces behind.

This love has also extended to the very special canine family members as well. Not a bigger box of dog treats can be found than the one I have in my ice cream truck. I've always encouraged the inclusion of pets of all kinds. Over the years I've had children proudly and happily bring their dogs, cats, mice, rats, ferrets, parrots, bunnies, cockatiels - too many to mention, to the truck to receive attention. Did you know there is such thing as a creamsicle snake?

The signs on the side of my truck depict the character of my ice cream truck and read: "The Happy Time Truck

- "...bringing friends and neighbours together since 2015"

- "...where it's not always about the money"

"...the ice cream truck with heart"

The Happy Time Truck has always been proud to be a low-cost truck. To this day, everything, with 3 exceptions, is $5 or less. Parents with little means can send their kids out with a toonie and be assured they will come back with a smile on their face having had a choice of several things to choose from. My value menue of $2.50 and less hosts 7 choices of treats. Many children have come to me with a handful of nickles, and nothing at all, and if I've seen an innocent effort, they have not walked away empty handed.

Over the past 9 seasons I've been happily driving The Happy Time Truck, I have been blessed with seeing fathers and daughters skipping down the streets, treats in hand. I've seen many elderly seniors and couples joyfully dance jigs on the streets to the tunes of their childhoods. With a grateful heart, I've seen smiles light up on countless faces upon receiving my humble gifts of popsicle and ice cream treats. The Happy Time Truck has been blessed with the opportunity to have given out thousands of dollars of cold ice cream and popsicle treats to young and old. I thank the universe and all of you who came to my truck over the years for these happy memories. ❤

If The Happy Time Truck is to continue to roll down your street, however, it'll need some help. Unfortunately, the engine is finished and needs a new one. The truck itself, should really be retired and replaced with a new one, but I'm willing to try again with the one I have, with your help.