GUELPH – People buying Smile Cookies in Guelph and Puslinch this holiday season contributed to raising more than $64,000 for children and youth programming.
“We sincerely thank everyone in our community for supporting this year’s Holiday Smile Cookie campaign,” the Grove Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario executive director Jeff Hoffman stated in a news release.
The organization will be the beneficiary of half of the $64,142 raised in the Guelph and Puslinch campaign, with the other half going to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, the release stated.
“From those who purchased cookies to the outstanding contributions of the restaurant owners, their dedicated teams, and the volunteers who decorated thousands of cookies, this campaign highlighted the extraordinary power of kindness, spreading smiles, and creating joy,” Hoffman stated.
“Together, we are making a meaningful difference for local youth.”
The funds raised will support the Grove Youth Ambassador Program, which helps to make the hubs safe and welcoming places for youth. The ambassadors foster relationships, build trust and create lasting memories with the young people who come through the doors, the release stated.
“Whether it’s access to mental health resources, education, employment or more, youth ambassadors guide youth in the right direction. Every day, they’re making a positive impact, no matter how big or small,” it stated.
Tim Hortons raised more than $10.7 million in this year’s Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign. Added to the total from last year’s inaugural campaign, $20.5 million has been raised for charities and community groups, including Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
