The power of a cookie: Dunnville rallies to support its hospital

by Submission To The Haldimand Press

May 1, 2025

DUNNVILLE—Tim Hortons Dunnville kicked off Smile Cookie Week in style with a cake cutting, complete with special guests like the Smile Cookie Monster. 

This year, the full $2 from every cookie is going to the Dunnville Hospital and Healthcare Foundation (DHHF) to help purchase a new mammography unit.

Celebrating the Smile Cookie kickoff in Dunnville on Monday, April 28, 2025 was (l-r): Sharon Moore, President, Haldimand War Memorial Hospital; Rachel Schmalz, Executive Director, Dunnville Hospital & Healthcare Foundation; Smile Cookie Monster; Kasim, Store Manager, Tim Hortons Dunnville; Bob Noble, Owner, Tim Hortons Dunnville; Angela, 17-year associate, Tim Hortons Dunnville; Deep Bains, General Manager, Tim Hortons Dunnville; Cathy Noble, Owner, Tim Hortons Dunnville; and Haldimand County Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.

“Since 2005, we have been the grateful recipients of Smile Cookie proceeds from our Dunnville store, totalling over $350,000, supporting the highest priority needs at our hospital,” said Rachel Schmalz, Executive Director, DHHF. “We expect this year to be no exception to all of our past success – we’re so thankful for our dedicated annual cookie purchasers!”

Dunnville reigned for six years straight as the national champion of Smile Cookie sales, falling just a little short last year to achieve third place in Canada, first place in Ontario, bringing in $51,258 for DHHF in 2024. That’s nearly six cookies each for Dunnville’s 6,000 residents.

Pen Financial Credit Union staff, along with Mayor Bentley and DHHF Executive Director Schmalz, were seasoned pros at cookie decorating on Monday morning. A long list of volunteers are taking shifts throughout the week at Tim Hortons across the country to decorate cookies. —Photo courtesy of Melissa Kenney, DHHF.

“The power of a cookie! It’s truly amazing the support we receive from our community, and it means so much to us,” said Sharon Moore, President and CEO of Haldimand War Memorial Hospital and Edgewater Gardens.