This year’s Smile Cookie Campaign, from April 27 to May 3, raised an
incredible $13,517 in support of Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, Cookstown Branch and Essa Public
Library, Thornton Branch.
Both libraries are honoured to be chosen as this year’s local recipients by David Blackmore,
owner of the Tim Hortons locations in Cookstown and Thornton. Operations manager Darren
Boyle rallied staff at both locations throughout the week as they baked and decorated
thousands of cookies for charity.
“Thank you to the owner and staff at both the Cookstown and Thornton Tim Hortons locations
for their ongoing support during this year’s Smile Cookie campaign,” said CEO Erin Scuccimarri
of Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. “Each Smile Cookie sold represents the kindness and community
spirit of our residents, and we are incredibly grateful. Funds raised through the campaign help
support programs, events, and community experiences at our Library, including our upcoming
Community Picnic and Open House on August 8 at the Cookstown Branch, creating meaningful
opportunities for residents of all ages to connect and celebrate together.”
Charitable donations such as this one play a significant part in helping libraries keep resources,
collections, and spaces current and relevant for our communities to connect and thrive. For Essa
Public Library’s Thornton Branch, this year’s funds will be used to offer movie matinees for all
ages. In addition to purchasing a Public Performance License to show feature films, the
Community Room will be outfitted with a projector, screen, and sound system.
“The Thornton community is looking for more things to do, and different ways to be social,” said
Essa Public Library Board Chair, Judith Hunter. “Thanks to the Smile Cookie fundraising, we are
excited about unlocking new possibilities for programs we can offer to meet those needs.”
This year, the iconic Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign marked its 30th anniversary. More than
$151 million has been raised since 1996, with 100 per cent of the proceeds supporting nearly
700 charities and community groups in Canada.
Photo caption: Tim Hortons staff present representatives from Innisfil ideaLAB & Library and
Essa Public Library with a cheque for this year’s Smile Cookie Campaign donation. (Left to right:
Darren Boyle, Tim Hortons Operations manager; Rob Nicol, Vice Chair, and Anne Smith, Chair of
the Innisfil Public Library Board; Judith Hunter, Essa Public Library Board Chair; Sabrina Da Luz,
Tim Hortons Assistant Manager; Laura Wark, Essa Public Library CEO.