GUELPH – Tim Hortons announced that a record-breaking $22.6 million was raised through the sales of Smile Cookies this year, supporting over 600 charities and community groups across Canada and in the United States.
Across Wellington and Guelph, participating local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and guests helped raise over $191,000 to support the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Keep Kids Fed At School program (formerly Food and Friends program).
This program helps ensure students across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin have access to nutritious snacks and meals while they are learning at school.
“We are incredibly grateful for this longstanding partnership with Tim Hortons, and for the generosity of the community – this continued support reminds children, youth, and families who are struggling that they aren’t alone” said Children’s Foundation director of programs Megan Harron.
“As we know, the cost of groceries continues to climb, and for some local children and youth, the food they receive through Keep Kids Fed At School may be the only food they have that day.”
Harron added, “The funds from Smile Cookie will help us provide over 75,000 nutritious meals and snacks to students across the region. Together we’re fueling students with what they need to learn and grow throughout the school day.”
Since the first-ever Smile Cookie campaign in 1996, the annual charitable campaign has raised a total of more than $151 million for charities and community groups, which are selected every year by Tim Hortons restaurant owners.
Recipients include local hospitals, community care organizations, food banks and schools, and more.
“We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support for this year’s Smile Cookie campaign from Tims’ guests across Canada. Thanks to your incredible generosity we topped our previous Smile Cookie record,” said Tim Hortons president Axel Schwan.
“A huge thanks to every single Tim Hortons restaurant owner, team member and volunteer who collectively helped to bake and hand-decorate millions and millions of cookies.
“Your dedication and enthusiasm represents the kind of deep care for our local communities that Canadians can rely on from Tim Hortons.”
To learn more about the Children’s Foundation’s partnership with Tim Hortons and Smile Cookie, visit childrensfoundation.org/smilecookie.
