SONG received Tim Hortons SMILE Cookie Campaign and Port Hope locations sold out… TWICE.
Sounds of the Next Generation (SONG) was the 2023 Tim Horton’s Smile Cookie recipient in Port Hope from May 1-7. The campaign generated a flurry of activity. Over 100 volunteers across the county signed up to help SONG decorate and sell cookies. SONG families, teens, service groups, businesses, and fellow arts organizations all showed up to help SONG to record sales.
The Smile Cookie Campaign’s popularity benefitted SONG’s spring fundraiser and drew in additional support as local businesses Part Time CFO and Young Mee Kim of Royal LePage ProAlliance matched revenue from cookie sales on special days. Local businesses also showed support through full-day volunteer takeovers from Ganaraska Financial Credit Union and Schmidt Law. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive!
“We can’t believe how excited our community was to help out.” says Executive Director, Miles Bowman. “We had volunteers helping who hadn’t heard of us before!“ Bowman continues, “It was bananas – we sold so many cookies that Tims will have to adjust the numbers they send to our locations next year!”
Bowman explained that the community response set a local record with $26 680.31 in proceeds going to SONG. With the revenue from matching sponsors, the Smile campaign topped $28 680.31. “This is a game changer for us,” says Artistic Director, Lucas Marchand. “This kind of support from Tim Hortons and the community means that SONG can explore new programming that we are hearing families want from us. We’ve been able to bring new programming this year, and I’m thrilled for what comes next!”
About SONG: SONG gives kids and youth (6-18) free music education and builds life-long skills in leadership, social connection, mental wellness and resilience…Everything for participation is free thanks to donors and sponsors in the community. Pre-registration for next season is open online.
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
