Seven Tim Hortons franchises in British Columbia are dedicating proceeds from their annual Smile Cookie campaign to The Vancouver Sun's Adopt-A-School program. The weeklong initiative runs from Monday, April 27, to May 3, 2026, with participating restaurants selling the iconic smiley-faced cookies for $2 each, with all funds directed to local charities.
Franchise Owners Champion the Cause
Barj Dhahan and Gurtek Shoker, owners of four locations in Surrey and three in Maple Ridge, spearheaded the effort to include Adopt-A-School in the chain's fundraising program. Dhahan, a longtime supporter of the program, emphasized the goal of raising significant funds for children in need. The restaurants are located at 2360 King George Boulevard, 16815 96th Avenue, 1757 152nd Street, and 12941 115th Street in Surrey, and at 12985 Dewdney Trunk Road, 11951 240th Street, and 22219 Lougheed Highway in Maple Ridge.
In 2025, the company's Smile Cookie campaign raised $22.6 million for 640 charities across Canada, with approximately 4,000 Tim Hortons restaurants participating nationwide. This year, proceeds from the seven B.C. locations will benefit L.A. Matheson Secondary School and its feeder elementary schools in Surrey, as well as Thomas Haney Secondary School and its associated elementary schools in Maple Ridge.
Impact on Local Schools
Adopt-A-School, which began in 2011, has distributed $17.5 million in aid to hundreds of schools across British Columbia. In the past year alone, over $2.3 million was sent to 133 schools to provide meals, clothing, and emergency assistance for impoverished students. The program supports in-school breakfast and lunch programs, as well as emergency funds for families facing food insecurity.
Dhahan expressed his motivation, stating, "Kids coming to school on empty stomachs and parents struggling economically is unacceptable. We are a wealthy province, and children shouldn't be going to school hungry." He added that the stories of teachers making personal sacrifices to help their students are heartwarming and inspire community support.
Additional Donations and Future Campaign
The participating restaurants will also accept extra donations from customers who wish to contribute directly to Adopt-A-School. A second Smile Cookie campaign is scheduled for November 2026. Dhahan hopes to raise between $60,000 and $75,000 from both campaigns combined.
"Children are our future, and they are priceless," Dhahan said.
How to Donate
- Online: Donate via credit card at www.vansunkidsfund.ca.
- Phone: Call 604-813-8673 to pay by credit card.
