By Garrett Simmons
FCSS CommunicationsThere are very few dessert items that can change your mood for the better like an old-fashioned cookie.
From April 29-May 5, Taber’s Tim Hortons location and Family and Community Support Services are teaming up for the Smile Cookie fundraiser initiative, which hopes to raise $10,000.
Throughout the cookie campaign, 100 per cent of the proceeds from Smile Cookie sales will go towards FCSS Senior Services programming. Funds will help FCSS deliver crucial programs for local seniors, such as Alzheimer Café, the Senior Speaker Series, and Senior Coffee Chats. Funds raised through cookie sales will go towards supplies and snacks for these programs.
“We are so grateful to be the recipient of the Smile Cookie fundraiser. I think it’s always nice to partner with local businesses to demonstrate the reciprocal support we get from them and the support we provide to the local community,” said FCSS Outreach Services Supervisor Kaitlynn Weaver. “This will also be a great opportunity to help increase our profile and showcase FCSS to a new clientele. ”
The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie program started in 1996 in Hamilton, Ontario, and since then, it has grown across Canada. Taber has participated in Smile Cookie since the location opened in 2006.
Restaurant owner Corey Persson said the selection of FCSS as Taber’s 2024 Smile Cookie partner was a no brainer.
“We wanted to identify an organization that can make a real impact in the community,” he said. “We chose to work with Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS, and we are excited about the local partnership. Barons-Eureka-Warner FCSS is a very local organization, and they do a variety of great things for the community. We wanted to support and help the organization grow.”
Throughout the week, Tim Hortons staff will be putting volunteers to work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to help create those perfect Smile Cookies for customers to enjoy.
“FCSS staff and local volunteers are going to be part of that decorating process each day,” said Weaver. “People can volunteer for one-hour times slots and I think it’s a really fun and easy volunteer initiative.”
There are plenty of ways to get your hands on a cookie that week, as patrons can stop by Taber’s Tim Hortons between April 29-May 5 or contact Persson at 403-827-7903 to pre-order their own boxes of Smile Cookies.
“Come out for a cookie,” said Persson. “Add a cookie to your order, bring cookies to your business, school or organization. By purchasing a single cookie, it makes a big difference.”
To volunteer as a FCSS cookie decorator, contact Weaver at Kaitlynn.Weaver@fcss.ca.