Residents outdid themselves once again for this year's Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week.

During the annual fundraiser, all the proceeds from smile cookies sold at Tim Hortons locations across the country go to local charities.

When it comes to cookies sold at the Black Diamond and Okotoks locations, those proceeds are given to the Sheep River Health Trust.

This was the third year taking part in Smile Cookie Week, with over $9000 raised in 2019, and $11,000 in 2020.

A goal of $15,000 was set this year, and residents delivered, raising $15,547.

Candice Wyma, fund development coordinator with the health trust, says they usually take an active role in Smile Cookie Week and were able to build a little extra hype this year.

"We thought 'we have an amazing community, they band together,' so this year we put a bit more pre-work into it. We got the word out, we got the buzz, we got the hype going, and we were really confident."

A few local businesses jumped on the hype train in the final days of the fundraiser, with a bit of friendly competition contributing to the final count.

"It was so great to see these businesses saying 'well if I'm buying 100 cookies, you come and buy 100 cookies!' it was so good to see businesses getting involved and supporting the campaign, it was a lot of fun."

The fundraiser fell on a pretty stressful week for many, with new provincial COVID restrictions announced and a federal election looming.

Wyma thinks that might have actually helped.

"I don't know if everyone's like me, but when I get a little stressed out, what do I turn to? Sugar and cookies! So I think maybe the benefit was on our side."

From here, the organization will shift their focus into two other major events: the Avenue of Trees and Photos with Santa.

 

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