Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign in Burlington a key fundraiser for food bank

Hamilton Spectator

25-04-2025

Restructuring of Burlington Food Bank and FeedHalton will create a stronger focus for both organizations, as the food bank enters one of its most important fundraising events of the year.
The annual Smile Cookie campaign, which sees money raised from sale of the happy face treats at 11 Burlington Tim Hortons locations,
runs April 28 to May 4
.
Krista Kay, director of marketing and community fundraising for both the local food bank and FeedHalton, said Tim Hortons' launch of the event benefitting the food bank might be overshadowed by the federal election being on the same day.
Kay suggested voters could reward themselves with a Smile Cookie after casting a ballot.
She said the event that raised approximately $145,000 for the food bank each of the past two years is key at a time of year when community food donations are down.
Last year, the campaign fell short of a $175,000 goal — at least partly because one Burlington Tim Hortons was closed at the time. The
2201 Brant St. location is back
for this year's Smile Cookie campaign.
'The stores here have been amazing supporters of the food bank,' Kay said. 'The store owners put a ton of effort in.'
She figures about $150,000 is an achievable goal as $2 cookie sales across the city add up.
Kay said there's plenty of local good news during the annual campaigns, including a local father who buys 300 cookies for his child's school each year.
Just before Smile Cookie sales kick off, Burlington Food Bank is celebrating its staff and volunteers with an invite-only event at the Art Gallery of Burlington May 23.
Robin Bailey, executive director of both the local food bank and FeedHalton, is leaving Burlington Food Bank to focus on the FeedHalton position.
Current food bank manager Christina Mulder will take on the new role of Burlington Food Bank director.
Kay said FeedHalton was formed in 2023, sharing staff and a board of directors with the local food bank.
FeedHalton has since obtained its own charitable designation and two separate staffs and boards are being formed for the two organizations.
FeedHalton's website
states the organization formed to help manage growing food insecurity regionwide. It 'provides centralized resources and physical warehousing for procurement, storing, sorting and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food and essential goods to local community organizations.'
Maria Thornton is leaving the food bank board chair position to focus on chairing FeedHalton's board. Burlington Food Bank board member Rick Owens will take over as food bank chair.
Kay said Bailey helped grow Burlington Food Bank's capacity, and steered it through COVID-19 — introducing a delivery model when people couldn't go in the food bank. Bailey served as food bank executive director for seven years.
'This event is largely in recognition of (Bailey's) contributions to food security in Burlington and the food bank,' Kay said.
Visit
Burlington Food Bank's website
for more information.