What has blue eyes, pink lips, a handful of chocolate chips, and brings smiles to an entire community? Smile cookies of course.
“They’re very popular because when people know the money stays in their own community it makes a difference,” said Maryann Giesbrecht, owner of Vanderhoof Tim Hortons.
Tim Hortons held their annual Smile Cookie campaign in September and all proceeds go to the St. John Hospital Axillary. Since 2005 $31,459 has been donated to the hospital, including $3,087 on Nov. 26, the exact amount of smile cookies sold during this years campaign. The money will help purchase two portable pulse oximeteres and roughly 40-50 thermal water jugs, said Edna Oryshchuk, president of the Hospital Axillary Society.
“Having more equipment will certainly speed up and enhance patient care,” said Ms. Oryshchuk. “The additional pulse oximeters will allow more patients to be seen at once and the thermal water jugs will make patients more comfortable by having access to ice cold water by their bedside.”
In the past, smile cookie money has helped purchase a paediatric lounge chair, baby scale, cleaning equipment for an ultrasound machine, and a sit-and-stand lift to name a few.
“We love that the donation stays local,” said Ms. Giesbrecht. “And we stick to our guns to buy something specific for the hospital that’s practical and that many people will benefit from.”