Smiles everybody!

By Mark Squibb

For the second year running, the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society has been selected as a recipient for the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign.
“We’re very proud to be supporting the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society,” said Shawnessey Gallagher, franchisee for the three CBS Tim Hortons restaurants. “We have a personal connection with the society. One of our long-time team members has a daughter who is a part of the society and has benefited from it’s great work over the years.”
Board of Directors chairman Rob Harvey said the money raised from the campaign will fund summer camps, social activities throughout the year, and therapy services.
Harvey said that being selected as a recipient for a second-year running was “absolutely fantastic,” especially given how many worthwhile local charities operate in the region.
“The staff are fantastic supporters,” added Harvey. “We feel very fortunate to have been chosen again.”
Gallagher, meanwhile, said the restaurants typically support a charity for a two-year span before evaluating other potential charities so as to support the entire community as best as possible.
Last year, the three restaurants raised roughly $28,000 across the three CBS locations.
The first ever Smile Cookie campaign was held in 1996 to raise funds for Hamiliton’s Children’s Hospital. To date, the campaign has raised over $130 million for local charities.
This year’s campaign ran from April 28 to May 4.