NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA CHILDREN'S CENTRE
**************************
ST. CATHARINES – The Niagara community started the holiday season with kindness, purchasing nearly 26,000 of the iconic red-and-green sprinkle cookies—adorned with cheerful smiles—all for a great cause.
From Nov. 18 to 24, the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign raised $38,902.84 for Niagara Children’s Centre. Participating locations in Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, and Thorold selected the Centre as this year’s local beneficiary, inviting residents to purchase Smile Cookies for $1.50 each.
“This campaign is truly a celebration of community spirit,” said Oksana Fisher, CEO at Niagara Children’s Centre. “From the incredible volunteer efforts to the overwhelming support of residents who bought Smile Cookies by the dozen, it’s inspiring to see how people come together to make a difference.”
This year, more than 200 volunteer spots were filled to ensure the week-long initiative ran smoothly. Political dignitaries, Children’s Centre staff, businesses and community members joined forces to decorate more than 1,500 bulk cookie orders and support sales at participating Tim Hortons locations.
“The dedication of our volunteers, Tim Hortons staff, and community supporters makes this campaign so special,” added Fisher. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
Niagara Children’s Centre serves more than 6,500 children and youth each year, providing vital therapies and programs for those with physical, developmental, and communicative delays and/or disabilities. Services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation.
“The funds raised through Smile Cookies directly support our mission to ensure children have access to the resources they need to be their best,” said Fisher.
In addition to supporting Niagara Children’s Centre, the campaign also benefited Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, which will receive a matching donation. The foundation empowers young people from underserved communities through year-round programs that foster leadership, resilience, and personal growth.
The Smile Cookie campaign has grown into a beloved tradition across Canada. This year, the holiday campaign raised a record-breaking $10.7 million nationwide, supporting more than 600 local charities, hospitals, and community programs. Since its inception in 1996, Smile Cookies has raised more than $90 million, making a difference in countless communities.
The impact of this campaign extends beyond the funds raised, highlighting the power of community collaboration. Niagara Children’s Centre expressed its heartfelt thanks to Tim Hortons franchise owners, staff, and the countless residents who participated in this year’s campaign.
“The outpouring of support during the Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign is a testament to the generosity and kindness of our community,” said Fisher. “We are truly grateful for everyone who helped make this event a success.”
As the holiday season continues, the success of the Smile Cookie Campaign serves as a heartwarming reminder that small gestures can create big impacts.
**************************
