There were plenty of smiles in Brantford during this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign. The simple act of buying a chocolate chunk cookie lovingly decorated with blue eyes and a cheerful pink smile raised $97,234.95 for Brant Food For Thought and Strong Start Charitable Organization as part of a record breaking national campaign.
Pictured above (L to R): Gisèle Budgell, Program Director, Brant Food For Thought; Carolyn Murray, Store Manager, Tim Hortons 80 King George Road; Sherron Birkett, Board President, Brant Food For Thought; and Sarah Miller, Store Manager, Tim Hortons 610 West Street.
“We always look forward to participating in the annual Smile Cookie campaign,” says Ron Fox, Tim Hortons restaurant owner. “I want to thank our loyal guests and dedicated team members – this year’s campaign was a huge success because of their support. The money we raise makes a real difference in our community and we’re so happy to be part of it again this year.”
This year’s Smile Cookie campaign that ran from September 16-22, supported more than 550 local charities in Canada and raised a record breaking $10 million nationally.
“It’s amazing that the small act of buying a cookie can make such a big impact,” says Gisèle Budgell, Program Director of Brant Food For Thought. “Thank you to Tim Hortons for the continued partnership. We are so happy that our local community came out in support Brant Food For Thought and Strong Start Charitable Organization and we can’t wait to make a difference with the dollars raised,” said Ruth Mills, Strong Start Program Coordinator.
“This generous donation will directly support universal student nutrition programs by sustaining the School Nutrition Initiatives,” Budgell points out. “Our programs receive whole fresh fruits and vegetables, local apples and white milk delivered directly to their schools,” continues Budgell. “The students benefit from the nutritious foods, and the direct delivery helps build capacity for programs where shopping for large volumes of food is a challenge. It’s a win win for the students and the coordinators.”
Thank you to our volunteers, the Brantford restaurant owners, community partners and patrons who helped make the Tim Hortons #SmileCookie week in Brantford a huge success. We could not have done this without you. Thank you for supporting local organizations in our community!