WELLINGTON COUNTY – People who bought the cookies with the sweet and wonky smiles at local Tim Hortons restaurants this spring helped contribute to a big pay day for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
This year’s Smile Cookie Campaign raised more than $157,000 for the foundation’s Food and Friends program, with restaurant owners donating 100 per cent of proceeds from Smile Cookie sales to the cause.
“With one in four children facing food insecurity in Ontario, our Food and Friends program plays a crucial role in ensuring that kids have access to nutritious meals at school,” program director Anita Macfarlane said in a release.
“We are immensely grateful to our compassionate community, whose generosity fuels our mission of enhancing the well-being of children and youth.”
Food and Friends provides student nutrition programs at local schools, ensuring kids have access to food while they are learning.
Macfarlane expressed thanks to the volunteers, restaurant owners and staff who took part in the campaign. “Your collective efforts have been instrumental in making this year’s campaign a resounding success,” she stated.
“Your support not only allows us to keep kids fed, but also brings hope and stability to countless children, youth and their families.”