Tim Hortons’ smile week will run from April 29 to May 5 this year. Smile Cookies cost $1.50 and proceeds are given to local charities across the country. Photo Credit: Tim Hortons.
Tim Hortons launched its Smile Cookie program back in 1996 as a way of raising funds for charities. It started with raising funds for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital, but the program now helps fund over 600 charities. This year, that includes several charitable organizations in the Niagara Region.
Tim Hortons’ smile week will run from April 29 to May 5 this year. Smile Cookies cost $1.50 and proceeds are given to local charities across the country.
Every Smile Cookie purchased from a Tim Hortons location in Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines will see proceeds split between the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region and Autism Ontario South Region. Cookies purchased in Chippawa and Niagara Falls will see proceeds split between the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region and Project SHARE. The Tim Hortons at Brock University and Niagara College will see funds to the Food Bank of Canada.
The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region is promoting the program on its website. The organization notes that proceeds will help fund the organization’s essential work, including running risk mitigation programs and wellness and education programs for those living with dementia and their families.
“Your support will enable us to continue providing community programs that promote health and well-being, that are vital to extending the independence of persons living with dementia,” said Teena Kindt, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region.
Autism Ontario South Region is also promoting its participation in the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie program. The organization is looking for volunteers to help decorate the Smile Cookies at Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines Tim Hortons locations. Those looking to volunteer can email janine.obrien@autismontario.com.
Autism Ontario offers a variety of programs in local communities to both support individuals with autism as well as their families. Niagara Region falls under Autism Ontario’s South Region branch, which encompasses Niagara, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant and Hamilton.
Project SHARE has been providing emergency food and support services to residents of Niagara Falls for over 30 years. The organization will receive a portion of money raised through the Smile Cookie program at Tim Hortons locations in Niagara Falls. According to Project SHARE’s website, the organization has provided over 11,600 people in Niagara Falls with emergency food, including 110 families per day. One-third of those who are helped are children.
Project SHARE has a link on its website where Smile Cookies can be pre-ordered. Those looking to order some can go to projectshare.ca/smile-cookie.
Jay Goldberg is the Ontario Director at the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He previously served as a policy fellow at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. Jay holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
