Blind River Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $12,359 for Local Health Care

left to right: Chris Astles, NSHN Board Chair, Zia Darwish, Tim Hortons Owner, Amanda LaBrash, NSHNF Board Chair, Tim Vine, NSHN President & CEO, Melanie Kubatlija, VP Corporate Services & Chief Communication Officer, Tammy Urso, NSHNF Board Director, Charlyn Beneteau, Director of Foundation Relations.

Blind River, ON – The North Shore Health Network Foundation is proud to announce that the 2026 raised an incredible $12,359 in support of local health care. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, both Tim Hortons locations rallied together during the week of April 27 to May 3, also known as ‘Smile Cookie Week’, to support the Foundation’s mission of keeping care close to home.

Every Smile Cookie purchased helped make a direct impact on patient care throughout the North Shore Health Network’s Blind River, Thessalon, and Richards Landing-Matthews sites.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Blind River community for once again showing up in such a sweet way,” said Charlyn Beneteau, Director of Foundation Relations for the North Shore Health Network Foundation. “This campaign continues to prove the power of community. From the Tim Hortons owner and staff, to the volunteers who helped decorate cookies, to every single person who purchased a cookie, this success belongs to all of you.”

Zia Darwish, owner of the Blind River Tim Hortons locations, shared his appreciation for the community’s support and promised to continue supporting local health care initiatives through future partnerships and fundraising efforts.

“This campaign is a perfect example of what can happen when a community comes together for a cause that impacts everyone,” said Amanda LaBrash, Chair of the North Shore Health Network Foundation Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Foundation Board, thank you to every volunteer, customer, staff member, and supporter who helped make this year’s Smile Cookie campaign such a tremendous success.”

The Foundation would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at both Blind River Tim Hortons locations, the volunteers from the community, local businesses, North Shore Health Network staff, and the Foundation Board members who all contributed their time throughout the week to help decorate thousands of cookies. Funds raised through the campaign will support priority equipment purchases and patient care initiatives across the North Shore Health Network.

The Smile Cookie Campaign has become a beloved annual tradition in Blind River, bringing the community together each year in support of local health care.

For more information about the North Shore Health Network Foundation or to support local health care initiatives, visit www.nshnfoundation.care or contact:

Charlyn Beneteau
Director, Foundation Relations
North Shore Health Network Foundation
(705) 356-2265 ext. 2619
cbeneteau@nshn.care