Trail Tim Hortons has topped its own record during this year’s Smile Cookie Week, raising $16,065 between April 28 and May 4 in support of regional mental health care through the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) Health Foundation.
“What an unforgettable Smile Cookie Week,” said Nicole MacMillan, owner and operator of Trail Tim Hortons.
"We extend our deepest thanks to our loyal guests, for their continued support and generosity, our dedicated team members, for their energy and commitment, our incredible volunteers including local businesses, and community members who rolled up their sleeves to decorate cookies and help with collections."
All proceeds from each $2 Smile Cookie will go to the Mental Health Matters campaign, the KBRH Health Foundation’s most ambitious initiative to date.
Launched in February, the $2 million campaign is focused on improving mental health care across the Kootenay Boundary by funding major upgrades to three key areas at KBRH: the Daly Pavilion, Harbour House, and development of a pediatric outdoor space.
These enhancements aim to create safer, more compassionate environments for patients while also supporting the well-being of healthcare staff.
“It’s incredible to see our community come together in such a meaningful way,” said Lisa Pasin, executive director of the KBRH Health Foundation.
“This record-breaking year reflects the shared commitment we have to improving mental health care in our region. Every smile cookie purchased truly makes a difference.”
This year’s campaign continued a strong Trail tradition, with local businesses, schools, and individual supporters placing large pre-orders, volunteering to decorate cookies, and spreading the word.
Trail Tim Hortons also encouraged bulk pre-orders for offices and schools and welcomed volunteers to join in-store cookie decorating.
Community engagement was further boosted through the hashtag #SmileCookieWeekKBRH, helping spread awareness online.
MacMillan said the return of the gooey Chocolate Chunk cookie was one of the “sweetest highlights” of the week, but it was the outpouring of community support that truly made it memorable.
Trail Tim Hortons and the KBRH Health Foundation say they’re grateful for the support and are looking forward to building on this success in future years.
