Town of Coaldale and Town of Taber square off for Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie Week challenge

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Sunny South News

Town of Coaldale

Get ready for a delicious showdown. 

The Town of Coaldale is going cookie-to-cookie with the Town of Taber in a friendly competition to see who can sell the most Tim Hortons Smile Cookies during this year’s Smile Cookie Week, April 28 to May 4, 2025.   

The challenge was initiated after Town of Coaldale Mayor, Jack Van Rijn, accepted a lighthearted but meaningful dare from Town of Taber Mayor, Andrew Prokop, and whichever town sells more Smile Cookies during the fundraising campaign wins the bragging rights, and more importantly, helps their community in a big way.

“This is what community spirit is all about,” said Town of Coaldale Mayor, Jack Van Rijn. “The Smile Cookie campaign is an incredible initiative that raises funds for causes close to home. Throw in a bit of friendly competition with our neighbours in Taber and you’ve got a recipe for record-breaking sales and stronger community engagement,” he added. “Let’s rally together and show just how much Coaldale cares about supporting FCSS — one cookie at a time.”

The Tim Hortons Smile Cookie is a chocolate chunk cookie topped with a cheerful pink and blue icing smile, available for a limited time during Smile Cookie Week. Residents are encouraged to pre-order (cookies), visit their local Tim Hortons and spread the word on social media using #SmileCookie and #TeamCoaldale.

The annual fundraising initiative supports over 600 local charities, hospitals, and community groups across Canada. Last year, Tim Horton’s patrons helped raise nearly $18.8 million – contributing to the Smile Cookie legacy of over $129 million raised since the campaign launched in 1996.

In Coaldale, 100 per cent of the proceeds from Smile Cookie sales will go directly to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), an organization that plays a vital role in delivering preventative social programs and services that enhance the well-being of individuals and families in the community.

“There’s nothing sweeter than seeing our communities come together for a great cause,” said Taber Mayor Andrew Prokop. “Whether you’re in Taber or Coaldale, every Smile Cookie supports vital FCSS programs that make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s a win no matter who sells more. But fair warning, Coaldale —Taber’s got the hometown advantage. We know our way around sugar and we’re baking up a win,” he added. “Thank you so much to all the many volunteers, participants, and local area residents for supporting such a great cause.” 

To win, Coaldale has set an ambitious goal of selling more than 5,000 cookies at the Coaldale Tim Hortons. To help meet this target, volunteers are being recruited to assist with decorating, packaging, and handing out Smile Cookies. Shifts are available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. throughout Smile Cookie Week and anyone able to volunteer — even for just an hour — is encouraged to join in and support the cause.

To sign up for a volunteer shift or learn more about how to get involved,  contact Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn at mayor@coaldale.ca. Let’s make Coaldale the smiliest town in southern Alberta.