It took us a while to count ALL the money raised from the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign…and it’s very impressive!

Today, we celebrated the presentation of two cheques – one from the 2020 Smile Cookie campaign, and one from this year’s campaign. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to hold last year’s cheque presentation.

Over the last two years, Red Deerians ate 74,650 cookies, which means $35,979 was raised in 2020 and $38,671 was raised in 2021 to help struggling readers become readers of potential through Reading College, a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

Reading College, held in the month of July, provides students who already have reading gaps, an amazing summer experience that will not only develop their reading skills but more importantly, their interest and motivation in reading. Students leave the program with increased reading and writing abilities, and a solid foundation for future success in school and life.

“The Smile Cookie Campaign is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of literacy, it really does create life chances for students. Reading College is made possible through great support from our community and Tim Hortons – we could not operate it without this support,” said Kristine Plastow, Foundation Board Chair. “We are so grateful to the community for buying Smile Cookies and supporting this fantastic program.”

From September 13 – 19, Tim Hortons restaurant owners in Red Deer generously donated all proceeds from sales of a special smiling chocolate chunk cookie to support the Reading College program through The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. The $1 treat helps community programs across Canada in the cities where they are sold.

“On behalf of all restaurant owners and team members in Red Deer, I would like to thank our loyal guests for their generosity and support of the Smile Cookie campaign,” said Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer. “Tim Hortons is thrilled to support The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools and Reading College with the funds raised and bring smiles to so many people’s faces.”