In Brantford, 100 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of Smile Cookies and Smile Cookie campaign merchandise will go to Lansdowne Children’s Centre and Brant Food For Thought, two organizations dedicated to helping kids reach their full potential.
Over the past three years, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaigns have contributed over $400,000 to community programs for children in Brantford.
“We at Lansdowne are so thankful for the partnership of Tim Hortons restaurants, and the opportunity that Smile Cookie provides to raise awareness about the life-changing support and services our team provides for families of infants, children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs,” said Rita-Marie Hadley, Executive Director of Lansdowne Children’s Centre. “Smile Cookie has been an incredible stage and amplifier, helping to connect Lansdowne with our community and in particular new and young families. We are incredibly grateful for the compassion of this community, and the financial support for critical child/youth programs.”
Lansdowne works with over 3,900 babies, children and teens, as well as their families. Smile Cookie funds will go to programs like Every Kid Counts and Family Engagement Services, critical programs that support families and children beyond clinical services and provide opportunities for children and youth to explore and develop their interests, abilities and social skills. Donations also contribute to programs that support a family’s access to mobility and communication technology, and other specialty resources for improving a child’s ability to navigate and grow.
The demand for Lansdowne services continues to climb. Expansion efforts to meet high demands include larger program sizes and larger facility spaces, two long-term Lansdowne goals that will be supported by a combination of grant monies and fundraising.
Meanwhile, Brant Food For Thought contributes to a child’s ability to learn by supporting and facilitating universal student nutrition programs to over 12,000 students in Brantford and the County of Brant with equitable access to nutritious food. School-based nutrition programs level the playing field for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, to be food secure during the school day, well-nourished and ready to maximize their learning success.
Gisele Budgell, Director for Brant Food for Thought program, said each Smile Cookie purchased means a student will have access to a healthy meal through their school’s nutrition program.
“The breakfast program helps me be not as hungry, more focused, and ready to learn,” said one Grade 7 student. “When I have an empty stomach, I cannot focus on learning.”
