By Felicia Massey

On Tuesday October 26 Cobourg and Colborne Tim Hortons owners gathered at the William Street restaurant location to present an over $35,000 cheque to the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre.

The cheque was given to Cornerstone’s Executive Director Nancy Johnston, who says the funds from the 2021 Smile Cookie Campaign will be used to make “… upgrade(s) to our facility in order to make the shelter as comfortable, warm and inviting for women and children as possible.”

Tim Hortons’ week-long Smile Cookie Campaign, which took place from September 13 to 19 this year, aims to help local charities and organizations through the sale of one dollar smiley face cookies.

The cookie campaign began 25 years ago to raise money for the Hamilton Children’s Hospital. Now over 625 community organizations have been helped through the sale of Smile Cookies.

One hundred percent of proceeds before taxes go to a chosen organization, selected by the local Tim Hortons restaurant owners.

Owner and grandson of legendary defencemen Tim Horton, Tim Simone, reflected on how rewarding the campaign week was.

“I’m just happy it’s all for a good cause… I am happy that we raised so much.”

Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre offers free, confidential services for all woman-identifying people and children in family violence situations.

They provide immediate shelter, counselling, housing services and prevention programs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnston says Cornerstone has seen an increase in people accessing the facility and its services.

“Issues related to gender-based violence are on the increase. Services are needed now more than ever, and we anticipate that that need will continue to grow.”

The more than $35,000 will help the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre continue to provide these services during the pandemic, as well as refurbish the dining and food services area of the facility.

“For us, it is about enriching the client experience to make sure that during a difficult time they have a warm, welcoming and safe place to be,” said Johnston in an interview with Northumberland 89.7 FM.