YMCA’s Centre for Life gets a boost from Belleville Sens and local Tim Horton’s

Smile Cookies have been flying out the door at local Tim Horton’s restaurants this week, and Belleville Sens staff and mascot Belly were on hand on Friday morning to help decorate and sell them in support of the YMCA of Central East Ontario’s soon-to-be-built Centre for Life.

The new facility on the former Belleville Fairgrounds property is slated to be constructed this year, costing nearly $30 million. It will replace the aging YMCA facility in the city’s east end. All proceeds from Smile Cookie sales in Belleville will be directed to that project, which is expected to be completed in 2026.

“We always take great pride in our community initiatives, and we were truly excited to get Belly out to help spread the word about the Smile Cookie Campaign again this year, said Belleville Sens VP of Business Operations John Mathers. “Not only are we showing that our club is committed to Belleville and the Bay of Quinte year-round, but this year, we’re also supporting a vital new facility that will benefit kids and families in the region for years to come.”

And the Senators support didn’t go unnoticed on Friday. Fans young and old flocked to the Bridge Street West location, greeting Belly with smiles and cheers, and grabbing dozens of boxes of Smile Cookies to support the cause. Bridge Street West Tim Horton’s Manager Danielle Hartin says the entire campaign, which wraps up on May 4, has been great. But, having the Senators support is helping to push their donations higher through the campaign’s final days.

“We’re selling lots of cookies! As of Thursday we were number one in Belleville and number six in our region,” said Hartin. “It’s awesome to have Belly here, he’s been doing great keeping up the energy and mingling with the students from Centennial Secondary School and other customers. I think having the Senators and other community members get involved just shows that we’re all united for one cause and having Belly be the face of that today, is awesome.”

Hartin also encouraged people to visit any local Tim Horton’s to support their Smile Cookie Campaigns as well. Funds raised through Smile Cookie sales in Quinte West will benefit Hospice Quinte, while those sold in Madoc and Marmora will see money directed to the Hastings & Prince Edward Learning Foundation.

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