From November 18 to 24, 2024, Tim Hortons locations in Kitchener, Waterloo, and St. Jacobs sold Holiday Smile Cookies in support of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. The campaign raised an incredible $76,667 for The Food Bank, which will help provide 153,335 meals for people in need.

“The demand for food assistance has reached the highest levels in The Food Bank’s 40-year history,” says Kim Wilhelm, the CEO of The Food Bank. “Today, one in eight households in Waterloo region relies on food assistance. To put that into perspective, just three years ago, it was one in 20. The money raised through the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign is greatly appreciated, as it will help us continue meeting the growing need for food support.”

This is the second year that Tim Hortons has hosted a national Holiday Smile Cookie campaign to support local charities and community groups across Canada. Last year, The Food Bank received $64,000, the equivalent of 128,000 meals for those in need.

“Food insecurity is a significant issue in our community, and I believe that even small actions can make a meaningful difference,” says Graham Oliver, the owner of multiple Tim Hortons restaurants in Kitchener and Waterloo. “As local business owners, we have a responsibility to support the communities we serve. By contributing to organizations like The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, we can help ensure that individuals and families have access to the fresh, healthy food they need.”

Like last year, the Holiday Smile Cookie was a white chocolate sprinkle cookie. Throughout the week of the campaign, staff and volunteers from The Food Bank enjoyed helping decorate the cookies with a white icing smile and eyes.

“It’s a great campaign. Our guests love it, our staff loves it… it’s just such a simple and meaningful way to give back to the community,” says Joel Oliver, the owner of several Tim Hortons locations in Kitchener and Waterloo. “Being part of an initiative that directly supports local families and individuals facing food insecurity is incredibly rewarding. It brings our team and customers together for a common cause, and we’re proud to contribute to making a positive impact in the region.”

Thank you to Tim Hortons for running the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign and to all who bought a cookie. Your support of this campaign truly makes a difference to the more than 73,600 individuals in our community who struggle to afford to put food on the table and need food assistance.