Smile Cookies have returned at Tim Hortons locations in Regina, offering people the chance to not only enjoy a delicious treat, but also support mental health.
Regina mental health initiative UnderstandUs will be benefitting from sales of the special edition cookie once again. Last year’s cookie campaign raised over $100,000 in the Queen City alone, setting a new provincial record.
Jim Demeray, the founder of UnderstandUs, discussed how the money helps out with programs that support youth and others across Saskatchewan.
“That money directly went into programs that help us so much, so in order to keep this going and do more, we’re hoping the same energy can be put into it this year,” said Demeray.
The charity provides mental health education online, in classrooms and by visiting businesses. Demeray added how they have spoken to over 10,000 individuals in the last year, spanning over 20 different communities in the province.
Some of the ways they offer support to locals include a community series event around mental health supports, along with their new online portal called UnderstandUs University accessible to the public.
He said in order to keep these programs going and to allow them to expand their resources, they’ll need that same energy from residents like last year.
“The minute we got this support, we were able to get into way more classrooms, way more businesses and way more events to do mental health events and workshops.”
Demeray has set a goal of $150,000 for the 2019 Smile Cookie campaign. Winnipeg collected the highest amount in the region last year at $148,000, but he’s confident Reginans can beat that mark.
The cookies are now available and will be sold until Sunday.
