Annual Camp Day fundraiser will help send thousands of kids to camp
Wednesday, June 8 is a special for Tim Hortons store owners, staff and customers. It's Camp Day - the one day a year when the entire proceeds from every coffee sold at participating Tim Hortons stores across Canada and the United States, will be donated to the Tim Horton Children's Foundation. It's 24 hours that can make a big difference in the lives of thousands of children.
What One Cup of Coffee Can Do
Every time a customer buys a coffee at Tim Hortons on Camp Day they will help send over 10,000 kids - who could otherwise not afford it - on the camping adventure of a lifetime. All children who attend the Foundation's camp sessions are selected from within the communities where Tim Hortons stores are located. Tim Hortons store owners work closely with local youth organizations and schools to select appropriate children, between the ages of nine and 12, to attend a 10 day summer camp session or seven day winter camp session.
"Each year we are overwhelmed with the outpouring of support that we receive from our loyal customers and special guests on Camp Day," says Nick Javor, Tim Hortons senior vice president of corporate affairs. "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."
Additional Fundraising and Special Guests
On Camp Day, customers can expect additional fundraising activities at many of their local Tim Hortons. Many stores 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, silent auctions, face-painting and drive thru window washing. Additionally, some stores invite special guests, including sports and media personalities, to greet customers and serve coffee throughout the day - all to create awareness of the Foundation and the experience it offers to children.
The Camping Adventure of a Lifetime
During their stay at one of the Foundation's six camps, campers participate in a wide range of first-class programs and activities designed to give them self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership opportunities that will continue to benefit them for years to come.
"The Foundation is committed to ensuring that every aspect of each day is truly exceptional for our campers," says Dave Newnham, Tim Horton Children's Foundation executive director. "This both starts and ends with their travel experience, our beautiful facilities and equipment, every nutritious meal they eat and our caring counseling staff. Maintaining these high standards helps us to demonstrate to every child our belief in their potential and how this experience can help them with their personal growth and development."
Youth Leadership Program
The Foundation also offers a Youth Leadership Program, which invites some previous summer camp participants between the ages of 13 and 17 back to camp. This unique wilderness adventure and leadership program is unlike any other experience available to youth. With each level of the program, campers gain valuable leadership and life-skills that will help them in their future endeavours. After completing this five year program, participants are eligible for bursaries towards their college or university education.
Local Community Agencies Use/Benefit from Camp Facilities Too
In an effort to reach out to more children on a year-round basis in the communities it serves, the Foundation has created a Community Sponsorship Program. The program partners with local community agencies and groups that provide services, support and opportunities to children from economically disadvantaged homes. From September to May, the Foundation's six camps welcome thousands of additional children to experience its first-class facilities and programs, free of charge.
About the Tim Horton Children's Foundations
The Tim Horton Children's Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974, is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children, who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Funding for the Foundation comes from year-round public donations collected through counter and drive thru coin boxes located at over 2,700 Tim Hortons outlets, Tim Hortons Camp Day as well as other special events and donations. Since 1975, over 72,000 children and youth have attended a Foundation camp - at no cost to them or their families.
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