Mrs. Fields Australia’s pledge to give away 100,000 cookies to charitable causes throughout November and December 2012, has exceeded all expectations, in both charity demand and cookies donated.

The initiative, which was facilitated through a specially designed app on the Mrs. Fields Australia Facebook page, was met with an overwhelming response from charity and school groups around the country since launching at the beginning of November.

The huge response to the initiative has resulted in more cookies being given away than the company originally envisaged. Final figures reveal Mrs. Fields donated 118, 950 cookies throughout November and December 2012 – more than 18,000 more cookies than originally intended.

Cookie Man Australia managing director Andrew Benefield and his wife Debbie – who were behind the initiative – said the most gratifying part of the experience has been the stories of generosity.

“From fundraising events, special treats for those less fortunate, stalls set up on street corners, the reports emerging really encapsulate the charitable spirit that is so important to many people during the festive season,” Debbie said.

“I have been so impressed with all the people out there who are doing great things for others. We would definitely look at doing a donation like this again.”

Six-year-old Cam from Victoria (pictured), used his share of the cookies to raise $564 to help some of the most disadvantaged children throughout his state. Sylvia, a music teacher of 45 years gave the cookies to her students, many of who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, upon her retirement.

Variety, the Children’s Charity used the cookies to reward the runners in their recent Santa Fun Run, while Westmead Hospital ran a fundraising initiative with their share of the cookies, raising more than $5000 for their Nurses scholarship program.