Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
The campaign that brings smiles to the faces of people in communities and helps raise funds for non-profits at the same time, helped to raise a total of just under $80,000.
Local Tim Hortons owner Barbara Drummond and her husband Gord own four locations: Fairview, Peace River, Valleyview, and High Prairie. The four locations managed to raise the funds in just one week, with money going to Big Lakes Animal Care Facility in High Prairie, Fairview Ignite North Peace Youth Association, Always Find a Reason to Smile in Peace River, and St. Stephen’s School in Valleyview.
“To everyone who bought, baked, decorated, donated, and devoured Smile Cookies, thank you from the bottom of our chocolate chunk-filled hearts,” says Barb Drummond.
“Each organization makes a real difference in our communities, uplifting youth, supporting mental health, strengthening education, and caring for our animals in need. Your cookie purchases helped make that impact possible, thank you!”
The Big Lakes Animal Care Facility raised $15,691.03 from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Fundraiser.
“This is way more than we could have ever expected,” says Taneille Crooks.
“Thank you to Quincy and the amazing staff at the High Prairie Tim Hortons, couldn’t have gotten anywhere close without all their hard work and dedication to the fundraiser. Thank you to all the volunteers who put in time decorating cookies every day, your efforts made a huge difference. And thank you to every single person and business that purchased a smile cookie. This money is going to make a huge difference for our animals.”
Fairview’s location raised $17, 818.14, with proceeds going to Fairview Ignite North Peace Youth Association. The association offers programs to youth aged 11-18 years, with a focus on building relationships and empowering youth to succeed. It is located on the East side of the Fairview Provincial Building.
Always Find a Reason to Smile Suicide Awareness and Prevention in Peace River raised a whopping $34,572.90. The non-profit raises money to fund suicide awareness and prevention events across the Peace Country. Founder Casey Szmata says that with the growing number of mental health issues and suicides in the North Zone, it is imperative there is money to fund the resources to be proactive and save lives.
“The Peace Region is nothing short of amazing,” says Szmata. “The support we receive brings tears to my eyes. I’m so grateful and pray this continues to help us save lives.”
Valleyview’s funds will be used at St. Stephen’s School to support programs that enrich the student experience and strengthen the school community. Proceeds will go toward enhancing educational resources, extracurricular activities, and school community events at St. Stephen’s School. Their fundraiser raised a total of $10,562.02.
