Tim Hortons® Smile Cookie® campaign raises record-breaking $23.3 million for local charities and community groups for its 30th anniversary
TORONTO, May 7, 2026 – Tim Hortons is proud to announce that a record-breaking $23.3 million was raised through the sales of Smile Cookies this year, supporting nearly 700 charities and community groups across Canada and the United States. This year marks a significant milestone as the campaign celebrates its 30th anniversary.
“Tim’s restaurant owners are proud members of the communities where they live and work, and for decades their passion for giving back has made the Smile Cookie campaign what it is today,” says Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. “When the first Smile Cookie was sold in 1996, no one could have imagined we'd one day be celebrating more than $174 million raised in the program's history. That's a testament to Tim’s restaurant owners, team members, volunteers, and guests who have committed to making a difference in their communities year after year. Thank you for your incredible generosity.”
The annual Smile Cookie campaign was created in 1996 by Maureen Sauve and other Tim Hortons restaurant owners in Hamilton. Maureen's inspiration for the original local fundraiser was born out of an initiative to raise funds for a hospital ward treating her daughter. Today, that inspiration has transformed into a nationally recognized cornerstone of Tim Hortons’ commitment to giving back, with 100 per cent of pre-tax sales donated to local causes.
In the Alliston area, local restaurant owners John & Meagen Lewandowski and Amit & Rachana Seth continued their tradition of incredible impact, raising a combined $50,476.42 during the 2026 campaign. On May 27, 2026, these funds were presented to their local partners, with the Matthews House Hospice Foundation and the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation each receiving $25,238.21.
For a full list of local charities and community groups benefiting from Tim Hortons annual Smile Cookie campaign, visit www.timhortons.ca/smile-cookie. Contact mediainquiries@timhortons.com to learn about local Smile Cookie fundraising results in your community.
ABOUT TIM HORTONS
In 1964, the first Tim Hortons® restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double™ coffees, Donuts and Timbits® in the years since. For more than 60 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving Canada's favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages – including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps® – alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 6,000 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Mandy McCurdy, Executive Director,
Matthews House Hospice Foundation
Phone (705) 435-7218, Ext. 223
mmccurdy@matthews.house
Tom Scherbluk, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation
Phone (705) 435-7218, Ext. 223
tscherbluk@smhosp.on.ca