Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign raises nearly $20,000 for Salvation Army Food Bank in Kirkland Lake

The community of Kirkland Lake has stepped up to support The Salvation Army Food Bank through the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign!

The Salvation Army was the recipient of $19,425.50 which will help support the food bank hamper program.

“That’s enough to supply food hampers for the next two months for 170 households in need,” said Salvation Army Kirkland Lake and Timmins, Auxiliary Captain Robbie Donaldson. “We are seeing needs increase because of COVID, but we are lucky because we have such a supportive community.”

The Salvation Army was approached by local Kirkland Lake Tim Hortons owners Justin and Susan Crossman in the Spring about being the recipients of the 2020 Smile Cookie Campaign.

Justin and Susan started to think about which charity to choose as the recipient around the same time the pandemic started.

“We kept hearing on the news that food banks were hurting and there was such need because people were losing their jobs.  With children at home when schools closed, they no longer had access to breakfast programs,” said Susan. “If there was ever a year to choose The Salvation Army Food Bank this was the year.”

Captain Robbie and The Salvation Army Food Bank volunteers got very involved in helping to make the campaign a success.

“They got the word out on social media, on the radio and handed out pre-order forms to businesses in the community. Some businesses were ordering over 100 cookies,” said Susan. “Our biggest job was baking and decorating the cookies. We had bakers come in at 1 am to start making cookies.”

To the delight of The Salvation Army the campaign far exceeded their goal of $15,000.

“We couldn’t believe it! It was amazing,” said Robbie. “We were just so encouraged by the enthusiasm of Tim Hortons and their staff and I would like to say thank you to them and the community. Keep on smiling Kirkland Lake you know how to put unity in our community!”