Health-care professionals have a big smile on their faces, thanks to being presented a cheque for $177,413 in support of child and youth mental health programs at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
The money comes from this year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, which ran from April 29 to May 5, and saw all Kingston-area Tim Hortons restaurants donate 100 per cent of their Smile Cookie sales.
“This is the second year in a row we’ve raised money for child and youth mental health services and I am tremendously proud that we have given more than $400,000 over those two years,” says local Tim Hortons restaurant owner Sherri Agnew. “Today’s kids and teens are experiencing challenging childhoods that my generation never faced—from dealing with harmful effects of social media to a global pandemic. Thanks to all our guests for helping support this great cause. The Kingston community is truly amazing!”
Smile Cookie funds from last year were used by KHSC to purchase comfort and treatment items such as weighted blankets, therapy workbooks, art supplies, fidget spinners, specialized toys and sensory items. Exercise bikes and small trampolines were also purchased, giving youth a way to stay active and release pent-up energy. Board games, puzzles, Lego and Play-Doh were bought and are used as tools to promote social interaction.
This year’s fundraising total was announced at a press conference on June 19 at KHSC.