Smile Cookie Campaign again supporting splash pad project

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Blue and pink frosting will soon be donned on classic chocolate chip cookies as the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign returns for 2022. 

For a second year, the Rotary Club of Shelburne has been announced as the selected recipients for the fundraiser, which will see proceeds go towards helping the Shelburne Splash Pad.

“It is great for the Shelburne Rotary Club to have been chosen to be the recipients of the Smile Cookie Campaign this year,” said Sandra Gallaugher, chair for the splash pad project. 

In 2021, the Smile Cookie campaign saw over 13,000 of the $1 cookies sold resulting in over $13,000 being raised for the splash pad initiative. 

Gallaugher said if the Rotary Club sees the same success as they did in the 2021 campaign, they will have reached their total fundraising goal of $300,000. 

“This will end our splash pad campaign,” said Gallaugher. 

Construction of the local splash pad was initially slated for late summer, but is now scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The Shelburne Splash Pad will be located at Greenwood Park. 

The official opening of the splash pad is set for Spring 2023.

Tim Hortons first began the Smile Cookie campaign in 1996 to help raise funds for the Hamilton Children's Hospital and has continued the tradition for the last 26 years. In 2021, the Smile Cookie Campaign raised a record $12.2 million for over 600 charities, with 100 per cent of proceeds raised going toward the selected recipients. 

“It's a great campaign and it's a real boost to any charities that applies for it,” said Gallaugher. 

Gallaugher added that they are looking for volunteers to help decorate the cookies for the campaign week, with student volunteer hours up for grabs. Those interested in volunteering can contact Gallaugher via email – s.gallaugher@hotmail.com. 

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign will run from Sept. 19 until Sept. 25.