By Kaitlyn Clark
The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—For the fourth straight year, the Dunn-ville Tim Hortons is all smiles after claiming the top spot in the Smile Cookie fundraiser. The over 48,000 cookies sold means over $48,000 will be donated to the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) in support of the Haldimand War Memorial Hospital (HWMH).
“I have had the pleasure of witnessing and being a part of the outstanding community spirt, generosity, and determination year after year. I would like thank the amazing community of Dunnville and surrounding area for their continued support,” said Franchisee Ryan DiTommaso. “A huge thanks to my general manager, Lisa Hribar, for the endless hours preparing, executing, and wrapping up this campaign. A huge shoutout to my store managers and team members who are the backbone of the business – we truly could not achieve these accomplishments without you!”
The thanks didn’t stop at Tim Hortons, with Danielle Ormonde of DHHF stating, “As the Events Coordinator, it was amazing. We had over 200 volunteer spots to fill and we were 95% full. It was organized and COVID safe. The number speaks.”
In particular, both Ormonde and DiTommaso expressed their gratitude to the local businesses that donated raffle prizes or lent supplies, along with True Experience for providing space to decorate cookies.
“Funds raised through the smile cookie campaign will go to the purchase of highest priority medical equipment in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at HWMH. We are happy to be able to use these funds to help support the upgrades to our x-ray suites,” said Penny Banks, Executive Director at DHHF. She reiterated the thanks given, adding, “Thanks to our volunteers. Without them there would have been no smile on the cookies! The collaboration of many community groups, businesses, and volunteers was incredible. Thank you to everyone who played a part!”
Dunnville’s success was part of Tim Hortons’ overall fundraising of over $12 million across Canada, a record for the 25-year-old event. Selling the second-most Smile Cookies in Canada was a store in Peace River, Alberta with 37,680 Smile Cookies sold. Dunnville’s area competitor, Binbrook, came fourth this year with their 29,500 Smile Cookies sold in support of Empowerment Squared.
A drive-thru thank you event will be held on October 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Dunnville Farmers Market. All volunteers from the Dunnville Tim Hortons 2021 Smile Cookie campaign are invited to stop by for a special treat.
