From April 29 until May 5, Tim Hortons is running their annual Smile Cookie fundraiser. This year, the Niverville location at 20 Drovers Run is raising money to aid in the purchase of two new community mobility vans.
These vans would bring much-needed accessibility to local seniors, or anyone else who may require mobility assistance for medical appointments, social outings, or simply to help reduce isolation and improve quality of life.
Shirley Hoult, a member of the committee that has been formed to acquire these vans, explains why she believes the vehicles will be so helpful to Niverville.
“Currently the community relies on the availability of mobility vans and drivers from a number of other towns,” says Hoult. “Costs for these services can be high for our residents and the services are not always available when needed.”
Hoult adds that multiple community residents and businesses have already pledged to the campaign. If 10,000 Smile Cookies are sold, she believes their fundraising target will be met. An application has been submitted to the federal government’s Rural Transit Solutions Fund, and it’s expected that funds from this program will fill any remaining gaps.
The Smile Cookies get decorated by Annette Bryant and her crew. This year marks Bryant’s third year as volunteer supervisor of the decorating crew.
“I’ve set up the entire week with volunteers who come to work making faces for the cookies,” says Bryant. “We’ve decorated some great numbers and I would like everyone to join in purchasing these cookies to help us reach our goal!”
Tim Hortons in Niverville has held successful Smile Cookie fundraisers in the past for Growing Minds Childcare Centre, Niverville Helping Hands, and the Communities in Bloom memory garden in the courtyard of the Heritage Life Personal Care Home.
The restaurant chain launched its first Smile Cookie campaign in 1996 to raise funds to support the Hamilton Children’s Hospital. In the years since, the campaign has raised more than $111 million for various charities and community groups. In 2023 alone, the Smile Cookie campaign raised nearly $20 million.
A box of 12 cookies is available to purchase for $18. Order forms are available by email at 107633th@gmail.com or by calling the restaurant at 204-388-4547.
