FCSS, Tim Hortons partner for annual Smile Cookie fundraiser
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tim Hortons locations in Strathmore have partnered this year with Strathmore Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) for this year’s annual Smile Cookie Campaign.
Running from Apr. 29 until May 5, all of the proceeds which were generated through the sale of smile cookies is to be put towards flexible supports for community members.
This includes cultural events, provision of basic needs, emergency shelter, transportation, and the offer of an ID clinic for folks who may struggle with acquiring personal identification.
“The smile cookie campaign is hosted by Tim Hortons in support of our different charities in local communities around Canada, and two of our Tim Hortons locations here in Strathmore chose FCSS as their charity,” said Emily Pye, community development coordinator with Strathmore FCSS.
“They have been really dedicated to picking us as their charity every year, and with this, we get 100 per cent of the proceeds from the smile cookie donations, and purchases from the public and other organizations.”
Pye estimated Strathmore FCSS has been partnering with local Tim Hortons locations for approximately eight years for the annual smile cookie campaign.
She explained each year, proceeds increase by roughly 20 per cent over the previous iteration, and Strathmore boasts one of the highest per capita rates for local cookies bought in Alberta.
“We live in a really giving community and folks are very happy to buy smile cookies because they support our programs,” said Pye.
“We have been partners for years now; they sell the cookies, we go over and help decorate when we can, and then at the end of the week when they have all the orders, we will go out and deliver everything to folks who have requested it.”
Encouraging more participation in the campaign, FCSS hosted a ‘business challenge’ promoting friendly competition between local businesses to purchase the highest number of cookies and challenge others to pay it forward.
This year, the goal was to breach the collective fundraising total of the last approximately eight years, and surpass an overall $100,000 through the smile cookie campaigns.
The total had not yet been calculated by FCSS by the date of publication.
“My supervisor has actually volunteered to dye his hair blue and pink in honour of smile cookies if we are able to meet our goal of 500 cookies purchased by Town of Strathmore staff,” joked Pye.
“With the increasing affordability pressures that are being experienced across the country, the Town is excited to partner with our local Tim Horton’s through the Smile Cookie Campaign. The proceeds raised through this campaign will help alleviate some of the pressures our most vulnerable residents face,” added Mayor Pat Fule in a statement.