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A week of Smile Cookies turned into a major win for youth sports in Regina, as Tim Hortons stores presented a cheque for $59,855.65 to Ehrlo Sport Venture following a record-breaking holiday campaign that raised $119,711 for local charities.
The presentation took place Thursday afternoon at the Tim Hortons on Chuka Boulevard, where store owners, volunteers and Ehrlo staff gathered to celebrate the community effort behind the campaign.
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Program manager Gloria Patrick said the excitement around this year’s fundraiser was obvious long before the cheque was handed over.
“We blew our target out of the water,” Patrick said. “Businesses, care homes, schools, people were reaching out nonstop. These dollars help more kids access sport and recreation.”
The national Holiday Smile Cookie campaign ran from Nov. 17–23, with local proceeds supporting Ehrlo Sport Venture and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, which operates a community-based school program. Regina’s contribution climbed significantly from last year, when the region raised just over $84,000.
This year’s $59,855 share will help fund Ehrlo’s five free community sports leagues and its equipment lending library, which outfitted 466 kids in last year’s free hockey program alone. Patrick said the donation will be used to purchase equipment, pay for facilities and ensure every child is suited up safely.
“Every kid has the right to play,” she said. “These dollars let us expand our reach so even more kids can find belonging and build confidence.”
For Regina Tim Hortons owners, choosing local charities is a point of pride. Owner Mike Di Stasi said supporting organizations where they can see the impact firsthand is part of what makes the Smile Cookie campaign meaningful.
“One of the reasons I love being with Tims is that community-centred feel,” Di Stasi said. “We can see where the dollars go instead of sending funding out of province.”
Di Stasi said owners set a stretch goal of $100,000 this year, but Regina residents pushed the total close to $120,000 surpassing Saskatoon and even some of the country’s largest markets.
“People stepped up buying cookies for schools, workplaces, sports teams,” he said. “Our bakers, volunteers and staff were incredible. It’s a crazy week, but raising that much money makes it worth it.”
Patrick said the campaign’s timing added to its emotional impact. Ehrlo staff delivered cookies to 13 schools and several care homes during the weeklong fundraiser, helping spread holiday cheer throughout the community.
“The holidays are a time when people think about giving,” she said. “This campaign lets the entire community take part in opening doors for kids.”
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