The coffee is flowing and the generosity is strong as residents in Portage la Prairie show up at both city Tim Hortons locations Wednesday to support youth from underserved communities.
All proceeds from hot and iced coffee sales, along with funds from Camp Day donuts, bracelets, and badges, go directly to Tim Hortons Foundation Camps; a program that sends thousands of kids across Canada to transformative camp experiences each year.
A city shows up to support kids
Portage Mayor Sharilyn Knox stopped by the West End Tim Hortons Wednesday morning to show her support, and she pointed to a new initiative tied to Camp Day.
“Tim Hortons has expanded that as of last year and they now have a new program called Tim’s in the Classroom, which is for grades five and six,” she notes. “They teach kids many of the skills that you would learn at camp, leadership skills, social skills, etcetera.”
Knox adds that local schools are looking into the classroom-based program, and she encourages everyone to grab a coffee and chip in.
“Whatever you buy. a portion of it goes to camp,” she remarks. “I have my dozen Camp Day donuts and then I just realized I forgot to buy my bracelet, so I’m going to have to get back in line.”
Leadership and lifelong memories
City Councillor Preston Meier, also on site, shares his own perspective on why the event matters.
“Growing up, I never really had the opportunity to go to camp,” he says. “I think that’s a little more special in my mind. These dollars go right back into our community and help our kids have that camp experience.”
He continues, “Some of those relationships that you make throughout those camp growing up years, they last a lifetime. It can change your child’s life.”
Fellow councillor Faron Nicholls echoes the sentiment.
“This whole exercise in terms of Camp Day is just what we need. It’s what the camp needs. It’s what Tim Hortons needs,” he remarks. “Please folks, come on down and support this great cause.”
Local kids feel the impact
Dawn Froese, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Plains, says five local youth attended camp this year thanks to Camp Day support.
“For some of the kids that go, they’ve never been to camp before. Some of them have never been away from home,” she says. “It is a week of amazement and opportunities to learn how to swim, canoeing and all things that they wouldn’t normally get to do.”
Froese adds that she sees a real change in the kids who come back.
“Sometimes we’ve had kids who have been really shy and they come back and they’re just talking about their new friends and they’re just so excited.”
More than just campfires
Stephanie Arnott, a long-time employee with Tim Hortons, shares her passion for the cause and highlights the deeper purpose behind Camp Day.
“These camps are specifically designed to improve self-esteem, self-worth. They give kids the skills to succeed in life,” she remarks.
Arnott explains that the leadership-focused camps help set youth on a new path, and it’s not uncommon to see former campers return as volunteers.
“It makes it that much more real. You’re not just giving $2 in a box, you get to see the impact of your dollars.”
Team effort at the shop
At the West End Tim Hortons on Saskatchewan Avenue, manager Simren Kaur says the energy has been non-stop.
“People are so excited for the camp. They are just coming up and donating,” she says. “We have a game set up here. They are playing games and donating for the cause.”
Kaur adds that in addition to coffee sales, customers can support Camp Day by buying bracelets, badges, and donuts or simply upgrading to a larger size.
“So many underserved kids in our communities, they deserve to be having a good experience in their life," she notes.
And for those who miss the official day, donations can be made any time.
“We have a coin box for Tim Hortons donation. If people are willing to donate, they can donate whole year.”
For more information or to donate online, visit www.timscamps.com.
- with files from Brittany Boschman and Jared Thiessen
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