• Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign runs April 27 to May 3, with local restaurants supporting Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation.
  • Twenty-seven locations across Markham, Stouffville, and Ballantrae are participating in the fundraiser.
  • All pre-tax proceeds from Smile Cookie sales will go directly to the Foundation.
  • The population served by the hospital is expected to reach 500,000 by 2030, increasing demand for care.
  • Most funds raised through the Smile Cookie campaign will support child and youth healthcare services.
  • The Foundation has reached about 70 percent of its larger $150 million capital campaign goal.
  • Local fundraising efforts, including events led by Mayor Iain Lovatt and the Town, have contributed $1 million to the cause.

 

Tim Hortons’ annual Smile Cookie campaign returns next week, with 27 restaurants across Markham, Stouffville, and Ballantrae rallying in support of Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH). Dr. Bear and MSH officials joined local Tim Hortons owners on April 23 to launch the weeklong initiative, highlighting the hospital’s growing capital needs as the region continues to expand.

Running from April 27 to May 3, 100 percent of pre-tax proceeds from Smile Cookie sales at participating locations will go to the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation. First launched in 1996, the national campaign is expected to support nearly 700 charities and organizations across Canada this year.

Locally, the need is substantial. The population served by MSH is projected to reach 500,000 by 2030, placing increasing pressure on hospital infrastructure, equipment, and services.

“MSH is committed to delivering high-quality, integrated patient care to one of the country’s fastest growing and most culturally diverse regions,” a recent news release states. “Government funding alone can’t keep pace with all the hospital’s priority needs, or health care’s evolving landscape.”

Allan Bell, Vice President of Community Relations and Corporate Partnerships with MSH Foundation, said support from local Tim Hortons owners has been instrumental over more than two decades. As the number of participating locations has grown, he noted, so too has the impact, with hundreds of thousands of dollars raised to date.

Smile Cookies are priced at $2 plus tax, with plush toys also available as part of the campaign. Bulk orders can be arranged through pre-order forms submitted to local restaurants.

Much of this year’s funding will be directed toward child and youth services at the hospital. “MSH cares for patients from birth to end of life,” Bell said, also pointing to high-demand areas such as oncology. “But the majority of these proceeds will go to the younger patients in our community.”

Recognizing broader economic pressures facing residents across York Region, Bell said the Foundation has managed to reach approximately 70 percent of its current $150 million capital campaign goal.

“The Campaign for Markham Stouffville Hospital calls on our community to invest $150 million to transform our hospital into an integrated health care hub with enhanced services, expanded spaces, and the best talent to deliver the care our community needs and deserves, close to home,” the Foundation states on its website.

Key priorities include a $65 million expansion to build a new ambulatory centre, which will support paramedic and emergency services while freeing up space to increase acute care capacity. The project is therefore expected to benefit other high-demand areas, including pediatrics, cancer care, and cardiovascular services.

Another $65 million will support equipment, technology, and program enhancements, including expanded child and youth mental health services. The remaining $10 million is earmarked for research, innovation, and education initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining top-tier medical talent.

Bell emphasized that partnerships like the one with Tim Hortons are critical to advancing these priorities.

“The hospital would not be able to provide the care it does without the support we get from the community, because the government doesn’t fund everything,” he said. “The fact that we have raised so much money as the community comes together and buys these cookies puts a smile on everyone’s face.”

Local fundraising efforts have also played a significant role. Led by Mayor Iain Lovatt, recent community initiatives such as the Main Street 5K and the Mayor’s charity golf tournaments have collectively raised $1 million for MSH Foundation.

Lovatt, who serves as co-chair of the Campaign for Markham Stouffville Hospital, and Town Staff were recognized for their contributions during an April 8 ceremony. A newly named seating area near the hospital’s main staircase honouring Lovatt and the Town was unveiled to mark the milestone.

“This $1 million contribution reflects the generosity and compassion of Stouffville,” Lovatt said in a related press release. “It will help ensure patients and families have access to the life-saving equipment and exceptional care they deserve, today and for generations to come.”

The 2026 Stouffville Main Street 5K is scheduled for Sunday, June 21. Registration and volunteer opportunities are now available online.