THUNDER BAY – Smile Cookies are back at Tim Hortons.
A year ago, the annual one-week fundraiser raised $53,000 locally, the money split evenly between The George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation and the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters’ Toys for Tots campaign.
This year Tim Hortons franchisee Brent Prepp says he’s hoping to sell even more cookies over the course of the campaign’s seven days, to help the two charities even more.
“It’s hands down one of the most embraced programs we have in the chain. The community support we have of people buying the cookies, the firefighters coming out for Toys for Tots, and George Jeffrey coming out too volunteering, putting smiles on the cookies, it’s been fantastic,” Prepp said.
It’s about as basic a program as it gets.
Customers between now and Sunday can buy a chocolate chip cookie, iced with blue eyes and a pink smile, for $1. All proceeds are turned over to the two charities.
“We split the money 50-50 at the end of the program,” Prepp said, adding a lot of work and planning go into the campaign, but it’s all worth it in the end.
“Every year I find it’s getting easier and easier. We’re getting more and more support from volunteers.”
Prepp said the goal is to try to sell more cookies than last year, even if it’s just 53,001.
That sounds good to the two charities’ representatives.
Paul Penna, chair of the Toys for Tots campaign, said the money is a huge help in their annual effort to ensure no child goes without at Christmas.
“Toys for Tots takes care of children living in less than desirable financial situations – basically living under the poverty line at Christmastime. We ensure that these children have a significant present under the tree on Christmas Day,” Penna said, thanking the company for years of support.
“It’s been an incredible run for us with Tim Hortons and the local owners here in Thunder Bay. They’ve been so good to us.”
Steve MacDonald, executive director at the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation, said the money will be put to good use.
“These funds are going to help increase access to care and enhance care at the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre. Community support means a great deal to the care at the centre and in fact, for so many children and families throughout the region.”
Smile Cookies are on sale through Sunday.
