“C” is for “cash” now. Cookie Monster will understand.
The Tim Hortons locations in Alcona and Innisfil Heights (near Highway 400) raised $40,537 for the Innisfil Food Bank during their recent Smile Cookie campaign.
“Both the 400 and Alcona teams worked hard — the staff worked diligently to help raise money,” food bank coordinator Donna Sawyer said. “We are so grateful to each and every person that supported us in their work efforts or in their purchases. Innisfil has some of the most generous people.”
These restaurants were among the top locations for overall sales in the region, Sawyer said.
Last year, the campaign collected nearly $32,700 for the food bank.
Over the last four years, the number of families requiring assistance from the food bank has increased by 78 per cent. In 2022 alone, the organization distributed about 1,400 hampers of food — that number climbed to more than 1,800 by the end of last year.
This year’s amount will buy about two months’ worth of food.
Smile Cookies were sold at Tim Hortons locations across the country from April 29 to May 5.
“Even the businesses in town got involved,” Sawyer said, noting council members and Innisfil firefighters also volunteered to help during the week. “The whole town gets involved, from the citizens to local business to South Simcoe police and other first responders like Fire Station 2 in Lefroy.”
She also thanked businesses and other organizations for buying cookies and doing social-media “shout outs” to help generate buzz.
The campaign started in 1996 to help raise funds for a children's hospital in Hamilton. Today, more than 600 local charities and organizations in communities across Canada benefit from Smile Cookie sales, the company says.
This year, the campaign raised $18.3 million throughout the country, Sawyer said.
For more information on the food bank, visit its Facebook page or innisfilchurch.com.
