Tim Hortons customers smile for Essa library fundraising initiative

Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign was a sweet success with $1,650 being raised for the Essa Public Library's Thornton branch.

Over 600 of the tasty double-sized chocolate chip cookies were sold between Oct. 1 and 7 at the Tim Hortons in Thornton. A check was presented to the library branch yesterday.

"I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who helped to make this year's campaign such an overwhelming success," said Tim Hortons store owner Randy Robinson. "Raising awareness for the library's branch through the cookie campaign opens the door to more community involvement and ensures that the funds raised in our community stays in our community. I think that's something we can all smile about."

Each cookie sold for $1, with all proceeds donated to the library branch. The branch completed a renovation and expansion of its facility this spring, adding the new Thornton Community Meeting Room. The space was used for children's programming over the summer. It is also available to non-profit community groups for monthly or occasional meetings of up to 45 people. To make it a perfect place for small meetings the library now needs more chairs, good folding tables, and a white board for presentations.

The cookie program originally began in Hamilton in 1996, to help raise funds for the city's children's hospital. Since then, it has expanded across Canada helping a variety of children's charities, hospitals and community programs.