Another successful year for Coaldale on Smile Cookie Campaign

Sunny South News Photo Submitted by Jack Van Rijn

By Heather Cameron
Sunny South News

The Taber vs. Coaldale Smile Cookie Campaign has come to a close for another year.

Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn reported that the Town of Taber takes the win this year for most cookies sold, finishing with 7,728 cookies compared to Coaldale’s 7,592, a difference of just 136 cookies. However, Major Van Rijn stated when it comes to dollars raised, Coaldale came out ahead, with $16,575.65 raised compared to Taber’s $15,603.10.

“I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who played a part in making this such a successful and meaningful initiative for our community,” said Van Rijn. 

“To the many volunteers who came out to decorate Smile Cookies and help energize the campaign, thank you for your time and for being part of something that truly brought smiles to people across Coaldale. To the residents, local businesses, and organizations who supported the Cookie Knockout Challenge by purchasing cookies, thank you. The level of community support this year was exceptional. A special thank you goes to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), who quarterbacked this entire campaign from start to finish. Your leadership and coordination ensured everything ran smoothly, and that the funds raised will directly support individuals and families in our community. I also want to recognize Tim Hortons franchise owner Cory Persson, along with his entire team, for the significant amount of behind-the-scenes work that goes into a campaign like this. From planning and preparation to execution throughout the week, your efforts ensured the campaign ran as smoothly as it did. It does not go unnoticed.”

Coaldale Tim Hortons ran their Smile Cookie Campaign from April 27 to May 3.

“The Smile Cookie campaign is a charitable initiative led by Tim Hortons, where specially decorated cookies are sold with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting local community organizations,” explained Jack Van Rijn. “Throughout the week, Smile Cookies were be sold at the Coaldale Tim Hortons, with volunteers helping decorate cookies, and community members, businesses, and local leaders all taking part. It is truly a community-wide effort.”

Proceeds from the campaign, Van Rijn said, will go to the Barons Eureka Warner Family and Community Support Services programs including mental health services, youth programming, parenting resources, and seniors’ support services.

The Smile Cookie campaign, Van Rijn noted, is an annual event that has been running across Canada for many years and continues onward because of its strong track record of bringing communities together while raising meaningful funds for local causes.

“Participation is simple: purchase cookies, volunteer to decorate, or help spread the word,” said Van Rijn. “Many local businesses also take part by placing bulk orders to support the initiative.

Van Rijn said that the response from the community of Coaldale has been ‘outstanding,’ as last year, Coaldale raised $13,124, and together with Taber, more than $24,000 was raised. 

“While friendly competition adds excitement, the real success lies in the support provided to FCSS and the people who rely on those programs,” said Van Rijn. “It not only provides critical funding for local services but also strengthens community spirit, encourages volunteerism, and raises awareness about the importance of supporting one another.”

Van Rijn also said that the Coaldale Tim Hortons added a ‘fun, engaging element’ to the campaign, that being friendly challenge against the Town of Taber that was also present during last year’s campaign. This year, Van Rijn added, Coaldale was truly excited to be hosting a rematch between the two communities after Coaldale’s win the previous year. Even in the midst of this competition, Van Rijn also added, the true focus remains on supporting FCSS and its programs.

“As Mayor, I believe this campaign is one of the best examples of what makes our community strong,” said Van Rijn. “As I often say, “It’s incredible to see how something as simple as a cookie can bring an entire community together in support of one another.” I would also add, “The real success of this campaign is not who wins the challenge, but the difference we make together for families and individuals who rely on these programs every day. At the end of the day, while there was some friendly competition, the real winners are Family and Community Support Services and, more importantly, the individuals and families who will benefit from these funds. Thank you again to everyone who took part. This is what community looks like.”