Students across Grande Prairie be receiving smiles starting Wednesday as part of an annual donation effort that has grown over more than a decade.
For 14 years, Sean Sargent has purchased thousands of Tim Hortons Smile Cookies each year for students in the city.
On Wednesday, April 22, Sargent bought about 22,000 cookies for students. Over the years, he said he has purchased roughly 200,000 smile cookies in total.
Sargent said last year while delivering cookies to a high school one a student told him he had been receiving them since Grade one. He said hearing that “feels phenomenal.”
“That kind of makes you want to keep on doing it,” Sargent said. “When you do this, $2 from every cookie you buy goes towards the Grande Prairie Hospital Foundation, that is a great cause. Plus, the kids all get cookies. Hopefully they will learn a bit about donating, and giving back to the community.”
This year, 100 per cent of proceeds from each cookie will go to the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation.
Sean Doerkson, CEO of the foundation, said the contribution provides a strong start to the annual campaign.
“It’s a fantastic way to kick-off the Smile Cookie Campaign,” Doerkson said. “Sean has been so generous over the years, and by purchasing over 22,000 cookies it makes a huge start to this campaign.”
He added the funds will support completion of the Ken Sargent House, adding the campaign will make a noticeable impact on the fundraising goal.
“We still have a little ways to go, this will make a huge difference.”
From April 27 to May 3, Smile Cookies will be available at Tim Hortons locations across the city.
