The Tim Horton Children's Foundation

Each year thousands of children from across Canada and parts of the United States, take part in a camping adventure they will never forget. As guests of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, deserving children from the various communities in which Tim Hortons restaurants operate, participate in a 10-day summer session at one of the Children's Foundation's six camps. In addition to the simple fun and excitement of such an experience, this opportunity helps children build leadership skills, self-confidence and self-esteem - qualities that will benefit them in the future.

The Children's Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing a fun-filled camp environment for children from economically disadvantaged homes. It was founded by Ron Joyce, Co-Founder of Tim Hortons, in honour of his friend and National Hockey League star, Tim Horton, who died in a car accident in 1974. Funding for the Children's Foundation camps comes primarily from donations from individual Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners, Tim Hortons parent company, The TDL Group Corp., valued suppliers and from public donations collected through counter coin boxes located year-round at every Tim Hortons outlet.  In addition, the Foundation's largest single fundraiser is Camp Day.  Camp Day is a one-day event when Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners donate their entire (100%) coffee proceeds and funds raised throughout the 24-hour period, to the Children's Foundation.

Local Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners work closely with schools, social service agencies, churches and other youth organizations, to select appropriate children aged nine to 12 who might otherwise not have the opportunity to take part in a camp experience. Campers are given the added thrill of being sent to a camp outside their immediate province, state or region, with the Children's Foundation covering all costs for each child, including transportation, food and lodging. Highly trained staff, excellent facilities and activity programs provide all the fun that goes with a first class children's camp.

Through the Tim Horton Children's Foundation 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 selected previous summer camp participants between the ages of 13 and 17 to return to camp. After completing up to five years in this program, participants may also be eligible for bursaries towards their college or university education.

The Foundation presently operates camps in: Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada; Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Canada; Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada; Quyon, Quebec, Canada; St. George, Ontario, Canada and the first U.S. camp in Campbellsville, Kentucky, which opened in June 2001. Since 1974, more than 120,000 children and youth have attended the Foundation's six camps - at no cost to them or their families.

The Tim Horton Children's 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.