It was a record-breaking year for the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign.

Canadians helped raise a record of $10.56 million through the week-long campaign with 100 per cent of the proceeds from Smile Cookie purchases going to local charities across the country. In Regina and Emerald Park, residents helped raise $99,443.05.

Funds raised in the two communities will be divided equally among United Way Regina and their select partners – Regina’s Canadian Mental Health Association branch and Family Service Regina.

Amanda Lanoway, director of engagement with United Way Regina, said the money will benefit mental health supports locally.

“We’re very excited about the contributions and investments we can make in Regina quickly and get the money out to supports because we know it’s such a relevant topic right now,” explained Lanoway. “So much support is needed and we are just grateful to play a role in that.”

She admitted how surprised and thrilled they were when they found out how much money was raised from Regina and Emerald Park locations.

“We weren’t really sure what would happen this year with COVID-19 and whatnot. But the results exceeded every expectation,” she said.

Lanoway pointed to this week being World Mental Illness Week and Saturday, Oct. 10 being World Mental Health Day.