News Releases | Corporate

Camp Day Fundraiser on Wednesday, May 24th

Camp KentahtenMay 30, 2000 - The Tim Horton Children's Foundation is breaking ground in preparation for the grand opening of its first U.S. children's camp in the summer of 2001. During an official sod turning ceremony in Campbellsville, Kentucky, dignitaries, staff, and local residents celebrated the creation of "Camp Kentahten".

Kentahten is the Iroquois word for "land of tomorrow." "We felt the name was appropriate for a camp where memories and friendships that last a lifetime are made," said Keith Publicover, Executive Director of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.

"The State of Kentucky and the people of Campbellsville have provided overwhelming support for this project from day one. The enthusiasm and generosity of Governor Paul Patton and his team have been the key ingredient in bringing this project to fruition," said Ron Joyce, Senior Chairman and Co-Founder of the Tim Hortons chain.

The initial idea for a children's camp in the United States was put forward by Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers, who is also on the Board of Directors of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation (THCF). He expressed his desire to Ron Joyce and former Governor Wallace Wilkinson, who took the idea to current Governor Paul Patton.

Governor Patton worked tirelessly to bring a suitable site in Kentucky forward, selecting the beautiful setting within the Green River Lake State Park. The governor pledged $1.5 million to service the land for the picturesque 50-acre site, where children will enjoy canoeing, swimming and numerous other camp-related activities.

"We are truly excited about the opening of our first U.S. camp. It will offer children in both the U.S. and Canada the opportunity to meet new friends, visit a different country and have the experience of a lifetime," said Joyce.

During the ceremony, Governor Patton and former Governor Wilkinson spoke of their excitement at having this camp location in Kentucky, as hundreds of local well-wishers from nearby Campbellsville shared in the day's celebrations.

Last year over 6,000 deserving children attended a session at one of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation Camps. "For many campers, this is their first camping trip, canoe ride, or even plane ride. They make friends and memories that last a lifetime," said Publicover.

The Tim Horton Children's Foundation was founded in 1974 by Ron Joyce, in honor of his friend and hockey legend, Tim Horton. The Tim Horton Memorial Camp opened in 1975 in Parry Sound, Ontario. Since then, camps have opened in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia (1988), Kananaskis, Alberta (1991) and in Quyon, Quebec (1994). A sixth camp is scheduled to open in 2003 in St. George, Ontario.