NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA CHILDREN'S CENTRE
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Local residents came out in record numbers to support the annual Tim Hortons fundraiser in St. Catharines and Thorold.
The initiative, which ran from Sept. 19 to 25, encouraged members of the community to visit their nearest Tim Hortons location to purchase a Smile Cookie for just one dollar. Niagara Children’s Centre and YWCA Niagara Region were selected by store owners this year to receive one hundred per cent of the proceeds from each sale.
It was a community effort that was made possible by hundreds of volunteers representing each organization. In total, 230 volunteers set a new regional record by decorating 91,079 of the iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing.
“We’re so appreciative of our volunteers who showed up to decorate behind-the-scenes and residents who showed up at the drive-thru and the counter to support this campaign,” said Marla Smith, Director of Development, Niagara Children’s Centre. “The week would not be possible without the support of the local community.”
The two organizations will split the proceeds, which will have an immediate impact on the services they provide the community.
“The proceeds from Smile Cookies enables our organization to help even more families in Niagara and supports our mission of ensuring children and youth can achieve their best,” said Smith.
Niagara Children’s Centre provides therapy and support to more than 5,800 children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays across the region each year. Their range of services includes physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
YWCA Niagara Region also attributed the success of this year’s campaign to the support from the local community, their volunteers and the staff and owners of each of the Tim Hortons store franchises.
“The funds raised through the Smile Cookie campaign will help to ensure that their experience with us is filled with access to our wrap around supports and resources, three nutritious meals a day, and snacks for the children that head to school from our shelters each day,” Zimmermann, Executive Director, YWCA Niagara Region. “It means that families have the opportunity to heal together in our family shelter units while they are getting back on their feet. It means that children don't have to stay with mom at a separate shelter from dad during a difficult time.”
Zimmerman added that when going through hardships like facing the threat of homelessness, separating a family can cause that much more uncertainty and fear.
“It fills my heart with so much joy to see families when they are finally able to move out of our family shelter rooms into their own home,” she said. “Until that time, our role is to make sure they have a positive and supportive experience.”
YWCA Niagara Region is committed to social change and work to create a community that supports women and children in need. Their programming provides ongoing support towards financial stability and independent living.
The Smile Cookie campaign has raised more than $90 million across North America since 1996 with this year’s campaign raising a record $15 million in one week for 600 charities, hospitals and community groups across Canada.
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