News Releases | Corporate

Tim Hortons Camp Day just around the corner

On Wednesday, June 9th, Tim Hortons restaurants invites customers to buy a cup of coffee and help send over 9,000 kids, who could otherwise not afford it, on the camping adventure of a lifetime. Camp Day, the single largest fundraiser for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, will be taking place at more than 2,300 participating Tim Hortons stores in Canada and over 180 stores in the United States.

As part of this 24-hour fundraiser, all Tim Hortons locations donate their entire coffee proceeds, in addition to funds raised through various Camp Day events and activities, to the Children's Foundation. Last year, thanks to the commitment and enthusiasm of Tim Hortons store owners and staff and the generosity and support of their customers, an astounding $5.5 million (CDN) was raised on Camp Day!

"Each year we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that we receive from our loyal customers, special guests and sports and media personalities on Camp Day," says Nick Javor, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and the Tim Horton Children's Foundation. "Our customers like the fact that all they need to do to help deserving children is buy a cup of coffee. It's what they already do every day - yet on Camp Day so many go above and beyond to show their support."

On Camp Day, customers can expect additional fundraising activities at their local Tim Hortons, depending on the region. Many locations raise additional funds through a "Rent-a-Tent" promotion whereby customers can personalize paper cut-out tents and post them in store for a donation to the Foundation. Other activities may include indoor and outdoor games, drive thru window washing, silent auctions and trivia contests. In addition, stores invite special guests, sports and media personalities to greet customers throughout the day - all to create awareness of the Children's Foundation.

All children who attend a Children's Foundation camp are selected from within the communities where Tim Hortons stores are located. Tim Hortons store owners work closely with local youth organizations to select appropriate children between the ages of 9 and 12. Since 1974, more than 63,000 children and youth have attended a Foundation camp - at no cost to them or their families.

Now, with the Foundation's Youth Leadership Program, a camper's experience does not end with their initial trip to camp. Launched in 1997, this unique wilderness adventure and leadership development program invites some previous summer camp participants between the ages of 13 and 18 back to camp. After completing up to six years in this program, participants may also be eligible for bursaries towards their college or university education.

"The Youth Leadership Program demonstrates our long-term commitment to the personal development of our resident campers," says David Newnham, Executive Director, Tim Horton Children's Foundation. "The program clearly sets us apart from other camps and foundations. Our commitment is clear and long-term, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. It's very rewarding to watch the campers mature and develop over the 6-year period."

Since 1986, Camp Day has raised over $30.5 million (CDN) for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization. There are currently five Tim Horton Children's Foundation camps across Canada and one camp in the United States.

In addition to Camp Day, funding for the Children's Foundation comes from year-round public donations collected through counter and drive thru coin boxes located at Tim Hortons outlets as well as other special events, and donations. The Foundation is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children, giving them confidence in their abilities, pride in their accomplishments and a more positive view of the world and their place in it.