Local fundraising campaigns show what communities can do

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Sunny South News

What an incredible couple of weeks it has been for our communities.

Between the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign and McHappy Day at McDonald’s, the communities of Coaldale and Taber once again demonstrated what can happen when people come together in support of local children and families.

The numbers speak for themselves.

During the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign, Coaldale raised an outstanding $16,575.65 in support of FCSS, while Taber raised $15,603.10 for their local FCSS initiatives. Just days later, McHappy Day brought in another $17,640.77 in Coaldale and $15,891.49 in Taber in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Combined, these two campaigns generated more than $65,000 across our neighbouring communities, with Coaldale alone contributing $32,178.75 toward programs and organizations that directly support local children, youth, and families.

That is something worth celebrating.

Campaigns like these do not succeed because of one person or one organization. They succeed because entire communities choose to get behind them. From the volunteers decorating cookies, serving guests, greeting customers, helping in the restaurants, sharing social media posts, encouraging donations, and simply showing up to make a purchase, every contribution mattered.

I want to sincerely thank Tim Hortons franchise owner Corey Persson and his entire team for the tremendous effort that goes into organizing and delivering a successful Smile Cookie Campaign each year. The amount of preparation, coordination, staffing, and community outreach behind the scenes is significant, and it does not go unnoticed.

The same appreciation goes to McDonald’s franchise owner Jordan Brown and his staff for another outstanding McHappy Day campaign. Their energy, hospitality, and commitment to giving back to the community helped create a fun and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.

A very special thank you also goes out to the many volunteers from both communities who generously gave their time. These campaigns rely heavily on volunteer support, and once again, people stepped forward without hesitation.

I also want to acknowledge Mayor Andrew Prokop and the Taber community. While there may have been some friendly competition and a few playful jabs along the way, the real winners were the organizations and families who benefited from the funds raised.

Most importantly, thank you to every single person who purchased a cookie, ordered a coffee, bought a meal, made a donation, or encouraged others to participate. In a time when many families are facing rising costs and financial pressures, the generosity shown by residents and businesses throughout our region speaks volumes about the character of our communities.

These campaigns are about far more than cookies or burgers. They are about neighbours helping neighbours, communities supporting children, and people coming together to make a positive difference close to home.

Together, we truly knocked it out of the park.

Regards,

Jack Van Rijn

Mayor – Town of Coaldale