The four locations of Tim Hortons in Bradford will put smiles on the faces of children and youth by donating 100 percent of proceeds from the sale of Smile Cookies to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York.
Cookies are available at the locations May 1-7, but cookies can be pre-ordered now.
As of Monday April 24, there will be a an order form on the Big Brother Big Sister website so local schools and businesses who want to offer a treat for their employees or for students can pre-order a dozen cookies or more. Pre-ordering allows individual Tim Hortons to prepare for the number of cookies they will need.
Lori Plati, BBBS Peel York Public Relations Manager, said the organization is really pleased to have been chosen this year by the Bradford Tim Hortons outlets, and owner Perry Thornton.
“After the pandemic, we have such an urgent need for mentors," Plati explained. "Plus it costs $1,000 for us to be able to match a child with a mentor, and be able to screen them properly and monitor that match for a year.”
Serving as role models, mentors provide support, express care, challenge growth and expand possibilities with the vision to help all young people realize their full potential, she explained.
In Peel and York Regions, Big Brothers Big Sisters has provided children and youth (ages 6 to 17) with quality, caring mentoring relationships for more than 50 years. By providing children with a mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York was able to assist over 1,575 children and youth in 2022 within their core mentoring programs.
Perry Thornton, owner of the four Bradford Tim Hortons locations, has been able to contribute to a number of local charities over the years through the Smile Cookie campaign, such as the Optimist Club and Community & Home Assistance to Seniors (CHATS). CHATS was able to buy a wheelchair accessible van with Smile Cookie proceeds.
Each Tim Hortons has an opportunity to direct the sales to a charity of its choice. Thornton said, “We try to change it up and do a variety.”
Shari Lynn Ladanchuk, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel York, urges people to suppor the cause.
"By buying a smile cookie you will be helping provide mentors for young people in York Region who are facing adversity. Our goal is to provide all youth in need with a mentor to support them, expand their possibilities and help them realize their full potential," said Ladanchuk. "Together, one smile cookie at a time, we are making a difference.”
Besides the 544 Holland St. W. location,
Smile cookies to support BBBS Peel York can be bought May 1-7 at all four Bradford Tim Hortons locations: 544 Holland St. W., 440 Holland St. W., 118 Holland St. E. and 185 Bridge St.
Last year, Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada raised a record-breaking $15 million for more than 600 local charities and community groups.
