Smile Cookie campaign raises over $55K for Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation

Miller says the Capital Campaign is designated specifically for children’s initiatives, such as the children’s playrooms and teen rooms at the new hospital.

“Tim Horton’s puts their name on the playroom and the team room, we put that (money) in an endowment fund. The interest from that endowment fund allows us to buy equipment in perpetuity.”

Miller describes such a fund as a gift that keeps on giving.

“We will get asked for a minimum of $500,000 a year for new equipment, and I’m sure with the new hospital, it’ll increase and that was our thought moving forward, that we’re able to provide those pieces of equipment and not have to keep going back to the community all the time.”

Miller says it’s heartwarming to see the community come together to raise funds like this for causes in need.

“These sorts of companies, or even if it’s individuals that support us year after year, put on these fundraisers for us, means a world to us.”

Of the $55,000 raised this year, Miller says she is also grateful for the initial 20 thousand cookies Sean Sargent purchased for the kickoff of the campaign.

by Abby Zieverink