Holiday Smile Cookies have returned to Tim Hortons on Main Street, as well as participating Tim Hortons locations across Calgary. The limited-time cookies raise funds for local community organizations, with half of the proceeds supporting Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, and the other half supporting a local charity organization selected by each store. At the MRU location, the local beneficiary is Food Banks Canada.
Where MRU’s Cookie Proceeds Go
Tim Hortons Foundation Camps
Tim Hortons Foundation Camps offer multi-year camp and leadership programs for youth facing financial barriers. Many participants come from low-income, newcomer, or Indigenous communities where access to extracurricular opportunities can be limited. Participation is provided at no cost to families, instead relying on fundraising campaigns such as Holiday Smile Cookies.
Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada supports the efforts of more than 5500 food banks across Canada, including those located in Alberta. FBC makes sure food banks are consistently stocked through direct funding, as well as by assisting with the acquisition and distribution of food. Food banks continue to be an essential safety net for low-income Canadians as usage in Canada continues to grow year after year. This upcoming winter season food banks nationwide will face higher demand as household costs climb.
The Importance to the MRU Community
Programs supported by the Holiday Smile Cookie campaign play a significant role in the well being of university students, and in turn the MRU community. Food insecurity is a challenge for many university students as rising cost of housing, tuition, and groceries can make meals unaffordable. This can negatively impact student’s physical health, mental well being, and academic performance.
At the same time, free extracurricular programs like Tim Hortons Foundation Camps can provide the children of student parents with a safe enriching environment while parents manage academic and work related commitments.
If you’d like to make a larger donation without becoming overwhelmed with cookies, you can also donate directly to Tims Camps here and Food Banks Canada here.
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