It’s that sweet time of year again in Niverville, and it’s not just about cookies; it’s about community.
Tim Hortons’ beloved Smile Cookie spring campaign kicks off Monday, and all proceeds from the Niverville location are once again being directed to a project close to many hearts.
For the second year in a row, Niverville’s Tim Horton’s has chosen the “Bring a Mobility Van to Niverville” campaign to support. The Smile Cookie campaign is a nationwide effort by Tim Hortons, but each store chooses a local charity to support.
Nazli Sharma, general manager of the Niverville Tim Horton’s and a long-time volunteer with the NCIB, says, “Every single dollar of the proceeds goes to that van. The cookies are $2 each, and all the costs, like ingredients, space, and even the icing bags, are covered by NCIB or the Niverville Tim Horton’s, so the full amount from each cookie is donated.”
Last year, the campaign raised over $10,000, selling 10,000 cookies. But Sharma says the goal of purchasing the mobility van hasn’t been met yet, so they are highly motivated to finish the job this year.
“We are really close,” she said. “We can almost see the van. We couldn’t just stop, not when we’re this near to our target. It means everything to me. We have to see it through.”
Sharma, who oversees special projects at the local Tim Hortons, described the Smile Cookie campaign as something truly special.
“This is more than just about cookies; it’s about helping our seniors and others with mobility challenges.”
Annette Bryant, NCIB Volunteer Coordinator, says, “This is my sixth time organizing volunteers for the Smile Cookie campaign. Right now, I am just reaching out to anyone in the community who can spare a couple of hours, and I’m grateful that people are eager to help.”
Sharma notes that the volunteers, many of whom are seniors themselves, will pair up to decorate the cookies. This year, she says they will be working in the kitchen at the Niverville CRRC.
“They have a sanitized and stainless-steel-equipped facility, which will be made available for the campaign. Each cookie is hand-decorated with cheerful blue eyes and a pink smile.”
Bryant adds, “We will usually start at 10 a.m. and go until 5 or later. People do two-hour shifts because it’s a lot on your hands, and back. But we’ve got a great system now. Shirley Hoult and I, we can do up to 1,500 cookies in just a few hours.”
Sharma says the cookies are baked fresh nightly, then decorated in the morning and ready for sale as soon as the store opens at 5 a.m.
She says that pre-orders are encouraged, especially by local businesses and schools, and sponsorships are welcome too, where a business matches the day’s cookie sales to help boost the campaign.
“We’re hoping to sell even more than last year,” Sharma said. “If you’re able to add a little donation on top, or sponsor a day, it could really help us hit our goal. And when we finally get that van, I’d love to see a little Smile Cookie logo on the side, maybe we’ll call it ‘The Cookie Mobile.’”
As for volunteer opportunities, Bryant is happy to take calls or texts at 204-773-6548.
“Even if you can only give a little time, every bit helps,” she said.
The “Bring a Mobility Van to Niverville” campaign is hosting other events to raise funds. NCIB recently held a Puzzle Challenge Day and Book Fair, where they raised an additional $2,750 for the van.
Sharma emphasized that the van would serve not just Niverville, but nearby communities as well.
“When you give back to your community, it comes full circle,” Sharma said. “That’s what Tim Hortons is all about, and that’s why I love being a part of this.”
Smile Cookies go on sale Monday, April 28, for one week only. Get yours fresh at the Niverville Tim Hortons, and help put smiles not just on cookies, but on faces throughout the community, and more importantly, bringing the residents of the town one step closer to purchasing the mobility van.
