Vermilion Tim Hortons Donates Record Amount To KidSport

From left, KidSport representative Bailee Bykewich, Tim Hortons Rommel Mandocdoc, Danielle Strunk, Billie Isaac, Charilyn Skibba, Jazmin Pingul, and Jemuel Agustin. Photo Lorna Hamilton

The Vermilion Tim Hortons has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community support by donating an incredible $6,095.76 to KidSport Vermilion through this year’s Smile Cookie campaign.

The national campaign, which runs for one week annually, sees Tim Hortons locations across Canada selling smiley-faced cookies, with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to local charities and organizations. In Vermilion, those proceeds have long supported KidSport, a non-profit organization that helps children under the age of 18 participate in organized sports by providing financial assistance for registration fees and equipment costs.

On July 2, Danielle Strunk visited the Vermilion Tim Hortons to present the donation to KidSport representative Bailee Bykewich. The moment carried special meaning for Strunk, as the donation was made in honour of her father, Greg Whitney, the owner of the Vermilion location, who passed away in June of this year.

“I know my Dad was very proud of his team and their efforts to be able to contribute a milestone donation. He was a huge advocate for sports and extra-curricular activities, growing up we were fortunate enough to be able to participate so giving other children the opportunity was something that was very important to him.” said Strunk, reflecting on the community’s generosity and her father’s enduring legacy.

The Smile Cookie campaign began in 1996 and has since raised millions of dollars for organizations across Canada. Vermilion’s Tim Hortons has chosen KidSport as its beneficiary from the beginning, inspired by Whitney’s belief in the importance of accessible sport for all children. He often said that KidSport was a vital program that gave children the chance to experience the benefits of sport, regardless of financial barriers.

This year’s donation marks the largest contribution Vermilion Tim Hortons has ever made through the campaign—a milestone Whitney had hoped for. Before his passing, he expressed optimism that the 2025 campaign would surpass previous years, a hope that came true which Whitney attributed to the overwhelming community support and the tireless dedication of the Tim Hortons staff.

KidSport Vermilion has been active for over 18 years and continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children. Representative Bailee Bykewich expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation, saying, “On behalf of KidSport, we want to thank Tim Hortons and the community of Vermilion and area for their generous donation. Kids and youth who participate in sports not only experience the health benefits of being active but also benefit from the social and character-building experience of being part of a team. This donation goes a long way to help cover sport registration fees for eligible families so that everybody can play.”

Families who wish to apply for assistance can visit https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/vermilion/ or stop by the town office to pick up an application form.

The Smile Cookie campaign is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a reminder of the power of community and the legacy of those who work to make it stronger. Thanks to Greg Whitney’s vision and the continued efforts of the Vermilion Tim Hortons team, more children will have the chance to get in the game.