Tim Hortons Donates To FOCUS And Tim Hortons Foundation Camps

Back row from left, Lloydminster Tim Hortons south location Manager Alex Reyes, Tim Hortons Multi Unit Manager Danielle Strunk, Vermilion and Lloydminster Tim Hortons Owner Kristine Whitney, FOCUS CEO Rob Snow, Lloydminster FOCUS Program Director /FCSS Tami Molle, Lloydminster Tim Hortons west location Manager Nicole Hartman, Lloydminster Tim Hortons west location Assistant Manager Grace Fajardo, and Lloydminster Tim Hortons east location Manager Alma Wenceslao. Front row from left, Tim Hortons Lloydminster north side location Judy Vila, FOCUS Chair Jean Murie, FOCUS Program Coordinator/ FCSS Carla Marushak, Tim Hortons team member Glyzsa Pelone, Tim Hortons Team Member Amandeep Kaur, and Tim Hortons Lloydminster west location Jenephere Traya. Photo Lorna Hamilton

On January 6, the Lloydminster and Vermilion Tim Hortons locations once again demonstrated their commitment to community support through the annual Smile Cookie campaigns. Held twice a year, this initiative raises funds for local charities and organizations across Canada by selling cookies adorned with cheerful smiley faces.

From November 17 to 23, the Vermilion Tim Hortons participated in the national Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign. This year, their efforts raised an impressive $21,921.44, which was split evenly between FOCUS Lloydminster and Vermilion, a local charitable organization, and the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

Since its inception in 1996, the Smile Cookie campaign has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes nationwide. The 2025 campaign generated a record-breaking $19.8 million.

Robert Snow, CEO of FOCUS Society for Support Services, expressed his gratitude for the donation.

“The final donation amount received by FOCUS was $10,960.72. We are very grateful that the Tim Hortons teams from Lloydminster and Vermilion have once again selected FOCUS as a recipient of their Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser,” Snow said. “This success reflects the hard work and dedication of the Tim Hortons teams, as well as the generosity of Vermilion and Lloydminster residents and Tim Hortons patrons.”

He explained how the funds will benefit the organization’s programs: “FOCUS operates three programs: Family and Children Support Services (FCSS) in Lloydminster, Disabilities Support Services (DSS) in Vermilion, and our Focus Non-Urgent Medical Transportation (FTS) program serving the region. The proceeds from the Tim Hortons donation will directly benefit all three programs; however, our FCSS Study Hall project in Lloydminster and our FTS transportation services will see the greatest impact.”

The Study Hall program supports elementary students in Lloydminster through personalized, in-class cognitive tutoring that complements classroom learning. Now in its second year, the program is expanding to additional schools across Lloydminster and the surrounding region. Meanwhile, the Focus Transportation Services program assists vulnerable individuals by reducing barriers to accessing essential care for those with limited mobility.

Kristine Whitney, owner of the Vermilion and Lloydminster locations, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.

“The Holiday Smile Cookie campaign is one of the most meaningful times of the year for us. Every cookie sold represents a small act of kindness that adds up to a big impact for our local community and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. We’re incredibly grateful to our guests and team members who help spread smiles and support such an important cause.”

The Smile Cookie campaign is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a heartwarming reminder of the power of community. The collaboration between Tim Hortons, FOCUS, and local residents highlights how working together can make a tangible difference in the lives of others.