[Windsor, ON] — Tim Hortons recently announced that Smile Cookie week will take place from September 13-19. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the iconic chocolate chunk cookies topped with pink and blue icing drawing out a smile will be available at every participating Tim Hortons restaurant across the country. The best part? 100% of proceeds from these special cookies will be donated to local charities in which the restaurants operate.

This year, we’re very proud to announce that the Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB), the Jackson Oglan Memorial Fund and Autism Services Inc. have been selected as recipients for Windsor-Essex Tim Hortons locations.

At CMHA-WECB funds raised will support the establishment of a Youth Wellness Hub for our region. This “one-stop” shop will provide various mental health and primary care providers under one roof. A soft launch is planned for late Fall 2021. Additionally, funds will provide ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Support Training) to local high school teachers. Suicide prevention training is a key objective for the Jackson Oglan Memorial Fund.

“We have heard from youth and families that a dedicated, youth-friendly space is much needed in our community to support the increasing mental health and addiction needs of our youth. This Hub will be one of 14 located throughout Ontario and have a proven record of success,” says Kim Willis, Director Communications & Mental Health Promotion, CMHA-WECB.

“Autism Services Inc. is honoured to have been selected as a partner charity for the 2021 Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign! The funds raised will help provide a specialized and individually supported summer program for children and youth with autism spectrum disorders while providing their families with much need respite,” said Cheryl Huczel, Executive Director.

A Media Launch for Smile Cookie is scheduled for Monday, September 13, 2021.

WHAT: Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Media Launch – Cookie Decorating Contest
WHERE: Tim Hortons location at 6605 Tecumseh Rd. East (next to Red Lobster)
WHEN: September 13, 9-10 a.m.
WHO:
Claudia den Boer, CEO, CMHA-WECB
Autism Services Rep
Ron Oglan, Jackson Oglan Memorial Fund
Youth Representatives
And some special surprises!

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Smile Cookie campaign has raised more than $60 million for charities, hospitals and community programs across the country – with a record-breaking $11 million in 2020.

Pre-orders are available and encouraged for large orders. Take this opportunity to treat your colleagues, students, neighbours and friends to a Smile Cookie.

Every Smile Cookie is as unique as the people, charities and communities they help.

For more information contact:
Kim Willis, Director,
(226) 787-2245
kwillis@cmha-wecb.on.ca

About CMHA-WECB
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Windsor-Essex County Branch (CMHA-WECB) is the lead provider and advocate of specialized community mental health and addiction services integrated with comprehensive primary health care services. www.windsoressex.cmha.ca

About Jackson Oglan Memorial Fund
The Jackson Oglan Memorial fund was established in honour of Jackson Oglan who ended his life at the age of 19, after struggling with depression. The fund’s main priorities are to create awareness, help individuals realize that they are not alone, and to try to prevent suicides. The first goal of this fund is to raise money for teachers in Windsor-Essex to be able to take CMHA ASIST training. ASIST (Applied Suicide intervention Training) is the world’s leading suicide intervention workshop.

About Autism Services Inc.
Our mission is to provide individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with a specialized program to enable them to reach their potential while providing family support, and to share information and resources with the Windsor Essex Community.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]