The beloved Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign has returned for the holiday season, offering Canadians a sweet way to support their local communities while enjoying festive treats. The biannual initiative, which runs during both the spring and holiday seasons, dedicates 100% of cookie proceeds to local charities and food security programs.
Spreading Joy Through Sweet Treats
Starting in mid-November 2025, Tim Hortons locations across Canada are featuring their signature sugar cookies decorated with cheerful smiley faces. Each cookie sells for a modest price, with every dollar going directly toward combating food insecurity in local communities. The campaign represents one of the coffee chain's most successful charitable initiatives, having raised millions for Canadian charities since its inception.
The Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign specifically targets food insecurity during what can be a challenging time for many families. With winter approaching and holiday expenses mounting, the timing provides crucial support to food banks and meal programs when they need it most.
Community Impact and Participation
Local Tim Hortons restaurant owners select recipient organizations within their communities, ensuring funds address the most pressing local needs. Past campaigns have supported food banks, school breakfast programs, homeless shelters, and other community food initiatives.
Customer participation has consistently grown since the campaign's launch, with many Canadians making Smile Cookie purchases an annual tradition. The simplicity of the concept—buy a cookie, feed someone in need—resonates strongly with consumers looking for straightforward ways to give back during the holiday season.
The campaign runs for approximately one week each season, though exact dates may vary slightly by location. This holiday edition follows the successful spring campaign that typically occurs in May.
Broader Context of Food Security in Canada
The return of the Smile Cookie campaign comes at a time when food banks across Canada report increasing demand. Rising food costs and economic pressures have pushed more families to seek assistance, making initiatives like Tim Hortons' campaign increasingly important.
Food insecurity affects approximately one in eight Canadian households according to recent statistics, with certain regions and demographic groups experiencing disproportionately high rates. Campaigns that direct funds to local organizations help ensure support reaches those most affected in each community.
The Smile Cookie program demonstrates how corporate-community partnerships can effectively address social issues while engaging the public in simple, accessible charitable actions. For many Canadians, purchasing a Smile Cookie has become as much a holiday tradition as buying coffee or planning seasonal gatherings.
As the campaign continues through the holiday season, Tim Hortons expects to surpass previous fundraising records, bringing smiles to both cookie buyers and recipients of the vital food security programs supported by the initiative.
