By rdnewsNOW staff

Supporting Young Readers

Annual Smile Cookie campaign to launch next week

Sep 11, 2020 | 9:47 AM

A tasty opportunity awaits central Albertans next week with the launch of another Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign in support of struggling young readers in our community.

Not even a global pandemic can stop this year’s Smile Cookie campaign, especially when you are making a difference in a child’s life.

Helping struggling students become readers of potential is exactly what local Tim Hortons stores want as proceeds for next week’s Smile Cookie campaign will be directed to Reading College, a project of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools.

“We set up this amazing and fun summer program for kids where they learn to love reading, and learn to gain the skills to continue their growth as learners,” said Superintendent of Schools, Chad Erickson, in a press release. “If they don’t improve their reading level in the next year or two of their lives, they are not set up for a lifetime of success. However, if we can get them over that milestone, that’s a lifetime of difference for that child.”

“It will make a difference for them, make a difference for their families and make a difference in their life experiences,” adds Erickson. “That’s the beauty of Reading College.”

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“Due to COVID-19, this year’s program looked a little different,” continued Erickson. “It was still a great success and our students were incredibly engaged and able to excel and improve their reading abilities through a virtual format.”

“The Smile Cookie Campaign is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of literacy, it really does create life chances for students,” remarked Dave Tilstra, Foundation Board Chair. “Reading College is made possible through great support from our community and Tim Hortons – we could not operate it without this support. I encourage the community to get out there and buy their cookies next week!”

From Sept. 14 – 20, Tim Hortons restaurant owners in Red Deer will generously donate all proceeds from sales of a special smiling chocolate chunk cookie to support the Reading College program through The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. The $1 treat helps community programs across Canada in the cities where they are sold.

“On behalf of all restaurant owners and team members in Red Deer, I would like to thank our loyal guests for their generosity and support of the Smile Cookie campaign,” said Tanya Doucette, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner in Red Deer. “Tim Hortons is thrilled to support The Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools and Reading College with the funds raised and bring smiles to so many people’s faces. We welcome everyone to come in to buy a delicious freshly-baked Smile Cookie in support of a great cause.”

Central Albertans can further help by promoting the campaign by ‘liking’ Red Deer Public Schools on Facebook and following the District on Twitter, both under @rdpschools.