Tim Hortons second-annual Holiday Smile Cookie campaign once again offered a fun way to spread kindness during the holiday season and now, United Way Perth-Huron is celebrating the results.

In total, the three Tim Hortons in Stratford raised $24,998.90, split 50/50 between UWPH’s work in Stratford and area on the issue of mental health and well-being and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. That means each organization receives $12,499.45.

In total, the Tim Hortons in Blyth, Clinton and Seaforth raised a total of $15,528, split 50/50 between UWPH’s Urgent Needs Fund and the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. That means the Urgent Needs Fund receives $7,764.

In total, the Tim Hortons in Milverton raised a total of $5,561, split 50/50 between UWPH’s Urgent Needs Fund and the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. That means the Urgent Needs Fund receives $2,780.54.

We’d like to thank Lisa MacDonald, owner of the Tim Hortons on Ontario and Erie Streets, Megan Adair, co-owner of the Huron Street location with Mark and Cheryl Moore, Dan Moynihan, owner of the Tim Hortons in Blyth, Clinton, Milverton, and Seaforth, their staffs, the volunteers who helped decorate cookies and all the people who bought them. The effort put in by everyone involved will make a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable people across these communities. Thank you again for the tremendous support!

Supporting mental health and well-being is one of United Way’s priorities in Stratford. Thanks in part to United Way’s assistance, over 8,600 people in the community received mental health assistance last year through partners including: 211, Family Services Perth Huron, the Emily Murphy Centre, Shelterlink Youth Services and the John Howard Society.

The Urgent Needs Fund is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year in over 150 languages through the 211 helpline. The fund provides financial support for essentials such as rent arrears, winter clothing, car repairs, groceries and more. Last year in Huron County, 314 people accessed the fund. In Perth County, 266 people accessed the fund.