Photo: HPE Learning Foundation/Submitted
Story submitted by Hastings Prince Edward Learning Foundation
The Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation is celebrating the success of the Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign after being selected as the local charity recipient for the first time in Belleville and Stirling. This successful partnership resulted in a significant contribution to local student nutrition programs.
From November 17th- 23, Canadians across the country showed their community spirit by purchasing those irresistible sugar cookies decorated with the famous smiles. This beloved campaign raised a jaw-dropping $13 million nationally for local charities—and right here in our region, $27,363 is going straight to the Food for Learning program.
Thanks to cookie lovers in Belleville and Stirling, thousands of local students across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties will continue to receive nutritious meals and snacks at school.
“This is a great way to kick off the holiday season. The funds raised are monumental gift for students,” said Kellie Brace, Executive Director of the HPE Learning Foundation.
“More than 6,000 students rely on Food for Learning each school day. With the cost of food rising, support like this means the world. When students eat well, they can focus, participate, and thrive—it’s a simple but powerful truth.”
Jenn Barrett, Resource Development and Communications Coordinator at the HPELF, shared, “Whether you bought a Smile Cookie for your coworkers, your kids, or just as a treat for yourself, you’ve helped make a real difference. We are so thankful to, local Tim Hortons owners, and their entire teams who work tirelessly to raise funds for Food for Learning.”
The HPE Learning Foundation has become a dedicated champion of the local Smile Cookie campaigns. By enthusiastically participating in both the spring and holiday events, the Foundation has helped raise over $50,000 in 2025 alone, directly supporting the vital Food for Learning programs across Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.
To learn more about The Learning Foundation and Food for Learning or how you can support student nutrition programs, visit HPELearningFoundation.com or HPEFoodForLearning.ca.
