July 30, 2021 · 0 Comments
Local Tim Hortons’ locations raised $9,306.39 to send kids to camp last Wednesday.
The Tim Hortons in Alliston at 3 Dunham Drive and the Tim Hortons at 5 Patterson Street N in Beeton held special events at their locations, seeing Mayor Rick Milne, Sergeant Arnett from the Nottawasaga OPP and members of EMS and Fire Department Services in attendance.
“We have changed the lives of 300,000 young people, young people that come from socio-economic, disadvantaged situations, from the ages of nine to 16. We set them up at a week’s camp although we do fall programs, too, for leadership,” said restaurant franchisee owner in Beeton David MacRae.
“But in the summer time, in these beautiful five-star settings, they learn about themselves. They learn that people believe in them and they start believing in themselves. It does change their wheelhouse in terms of their mental health. They get transformed in the heart and they’re better suited to take on life.”
Tim Hortons Camp began in 1986 by a group of owners in Atlantic Canada. On May 6 1987, the first annual Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation Day took place raising over $131,000.
It wasn’t until 1991 this foundation became chain-wide and every location from coast-to-coast got involved.
Every year for one day, one percent of the sales of hot beverages is donated to Camp Day by each Tim Hortons restaurant in Canada.
Last year, MacRae says over $12-million dollars was raised. This year, MacRae says this is all about community.
“We’re not just here to represent the brand, we’re here to represent the community. Everything we do is to foster growth and give back. We want to do business in the community but we also want to give back. We do the smile cookie program, we do it with other different events throughout the year. We donate to local Simcoe Manor due to COVID,” MacRae said.
“That does make us feel better. Makes us feel we’re part of the community and we’re making a difference.”
MacRae said the support from New Tecumseth has been amazing. Every year, the town has provided tremendous support for those in need and continued to do so despite the challenges faced during COVID-19.
MacRae thanks everyone in the town, from Mayor Milne, to the OPP, to the local services for their attendance.
For all other Tim Hortons locations in New Tecumseth, the results have yet to come in.
Total results from fundraising efforts New Tecumseth-wide are expected next week.
By Robert Belardi