There is a lot to smile about, as the local Smile Cookie Campaign has reached a new fundraising milestone in support of children, families, and animals in need.
This spring, 18 Tim Hortons locations across Peterborough, Bridgenorth, Lakefield, and Curve Lake participated in the annual Smile Cookie Campaign, benefiting Five Counties Children’s Centre (FCCC) and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS). Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, an incredible $136,711.96 was raised.
The funds will be split equally between the two organizations. For Five Counties, this means $68,355.98 will go towards its Building Abilities for Life campaign that ensures kids can more easily access high-demand treatment services that will benefit them as they grow up. A similar amount will go to support the Peterborough Humane Society’s animal care programs, including sheltering, medical care, and adoptions for animals in need.
“Our community truly came together to make this all possible,” says Scott Pepin, Chief Executive Officer of Five Counties Children’s Centre. “We are grateful to everyone who volunteered their time, helped spread the word, purchased Smile Cookies, and supported this initiative. We are also very appreciative of Tim Hortons and its staff, who warmly welcomed our volunteers. Their ongoing generosity and commitment to community organizations is truly inspiring, and it was a pleasure to work alongside them and the Peterborough Humane Society.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Tim Hortons owners for selecting us as a Smile Cookie beneficiary and for the opportunity to partner with both Five Counties throughout this campaign,” adds Shawn Morey, Chief Executive Officer of the Peterborough Humane Society. “We’re proud to have more than 100 volunteers lend their time throughout the week. We extend our sincere thanks to the Tim Hortons staff who made us feel like part of the team. With the support of our community, many children, families, and pets will benefit.”
The success of the Smile Cookie Campaign was made possible by the incredible support of the local community. Hundreds of volunteers from both charities generously donated their time to decorate cookies, greet guests, and share the importance of the campaign inside Tim Hortons locations throughout the week. Local businesses, schools, and individuals also showed their support by placing bulk cookie orders to share with staff, clients, friends, and families—significantly boosting the funds raised. Every Smile Cookie purchased represented a meaningful gesture of support for children, families, and animals across the region.
Nationally, the 2026 Smile Cookie Campaign also made history, raising a record-breaking $23.3 million in support of more than 700 charities and community groups across Canada. Since its launch in 1996, the Smile Cookie Campaign has raised millions nationwide, with local Tim Hortons restaurant owners selecing community organizations to benefit from the campaign, ensuring funds support causes close to home.
Five Counties Children’s Centre has been dedicated to supporting children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs for over 50 years. Last year, Five Counties provided treatment services for over 6,200 children and youth, of which 2,857 are from Peterborough City and County.
Peterborough Humane Society is a voice for animals through adoption placement. It also provides services to support both ends of the leash, and through the Peterborough Regional Spay / Neuter Clinic, provides animals with vital vaccines to support health and wellness, veterinary care, and spay / neuter services to the public.
Photo Caption
A Reason to Smile: The Smile Cookie campaign at 18 Tim Hortons locations in the Peterborough area raised an incredible $138,711.96. The funds will be equally split — $68,355.98 apiece – to support important services provided by Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Peterborough Humane Society.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
