As community usage seemingly hits record highs each week and month, the Barrie Food Bank received a major boost through Tim Hortons' 2025 Holiday Smile Cookie campaign.
From November 17-23, Tim Hortons customers supported local charities by purchasing Holiday Smile Cookies, with 100% of proceeds directed to local charities. This year, the food bank was one of two beneficiaries from those sold by Barrie and area locations.
Receiving half of the share of funds raised by the campaign, the Barrie Food Bank was awarded $67,259.37, with a second share of the same amount going to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
At a time when food insecurity in Barrie continues to rise at an alarming rate, Barrie Food Bank executive director Karen Shuh says the contribution is especially meaningful.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Barrie community and to our local Tim Hortons restaurant owners and dedicated team members,” she said in a news release. “This support arrives at a critical time. Demand for food assistance has never been higher, and these funds will directly strengthen our ability to serve families, seniors, and individuals who rely on us. The simple act of purchasing a cookie represents kindness in action and will have a meaningful impact during a time of year when the need is unprecedented.”
Thousands of residents purchased cookies, which Shuh says provides much-needed hope and ensures that local households can continue to access fresh, nutritious food when needed.
The food bank says the donation provides an important boost to its “Close The Gap” Holiday Campaign, which is currently at 75% of its goal to raise $1,160,000 to keep pace with community need.
In November, a record-high 8,128 visits took place at the facility on Anne Street South, which is up 16 per cent higher from 2024 and triple the levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
