Brewing a difference: Tim Hortons Camp Day helps kids turn their lives around

"Camp Day makes a positive impact on the lives and futures of thousands of kids from communities across North America every year, and we couldn't be more proud to continue supporting such an important initiative," says Felipe Athayde, President, Tim Hortons US. "We're grateful to our Guests and Restaurant Owners who help give kids the experience of a lifetime and the opportunity to develop skills that will support them to become more responsible, caring and motivated individuals."

Last year alone, $12.4 million was raised in Canada and the United States, allowing close to 18,000 kids from low-income families to spend a life-changing session at one of the seven THCF camps. With the funds raised on Camp Day, Tim Hortons Restaurant Owners sponsor kids directly from their local communities to attend camp. They work closely with local youth organizations and schools to identify kids who would benefit most from the experience.

"We help kids unlock their hidden strengths, and develop critical life skills that will support them in finding their own success and thrive as contributing members of their communities," says Dave Newnham, President and Executive Director, Tim Horton Children's Foundation. "Our camps aren't just a fun visit away from home, these intentional experiences can be the catalyst to change their outlook on life and gain greater confidence about their future."

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, more than 16 million children in the United States live in homes below the federal poverty rate*. The THCF strives to address the cultural roots of poverty; the idea that individuals who are economically disadvantaged often develop a set of institutions, values, norms and behaviors which perpetuate rather than counter poverty. Camp programs are designed to provide children and youth with opportunities to develop skills and values that help set them on a different path in life.

"My experience with the Tim Horton Children's Foundation taught me the importance of working together as a team and asking for help when I need it," says Debra Turnboe, Youth Leadership Program alumni from the Detroit, Michigan area. "I will always remember the wise words of one of my counselors during my second year in the program, who said that no matter how hard your situation might be, it won't last forever and you can get through it."

How Camp Day is helping kids beyond summer camp experiences
In addition to summer programs, THCF camps operate programming throughout the year, welcoming schools and organizations that serve low-income communities to participate in free-of-cost camp experiences. At camp, kids participate in a wide range of purposeful programs and activities designed to build self-confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills. The THCF also offers a unique Youth Leadership Program, which takes place over five summers and focuses on building lifelong leadership skills, teamwork and independence. Graduates of the Youth Leadership Program are eligible for financial support through the Carolee House Bursary Program to attend post-secondary education. Since 2002, more than $6 million in bursaries have been distributed to students pursuing university, college or a trade certificate program.

How Tim Hortons is raising awareness for Camp Day in Restaurant
To showcase the benefits of Camp Day, Tim Hortons launched an exciting new red cup design. These cups feature speech bubbles that showcase the impact of what buying a cup of coffee can have on kids' experience at camp including: helping kids believe in themselves, helping to create a brighter future, helping to build courage and confidence, and helping kids to be their best.

This year, Guests who want to help to raise awareness about Camp Day can also purchase a red Camp Day bracelet at participating Restaurants. Camp Day bracelets are $2 plus tax while supplies last. Guests are invited to wear the bracelets in support of the Tim Horton Children's Foundation. Guests can also make a donation any time at timscampday.com. Every Camp Day donation counts.   

How to join the Camp Day conversation
Tag #CampDay
Like THCF on Facebook facebook.com/timhortonchildrensfoundation 
Follow THCF on Twitter @THCF1974 
Follow THCF on Instagram @THCF1974 
Subscribe to THCF on YouTube @youtube.com/THCF1974 
Like Tim Hortons on Facebook facebook.com/TimHortons 
Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter @TimHortonsUS 
Follow Tim Hortons on Instagram @TimHortonsUS 
Subscribe to Tim Hortons on YouTube youtube.com/TimHortons

*National Center for Children in Poverty – Basic Facts About Low-income Children, Addy, Engelhardt & Skinner, 2013.

About the Tim Horton Children's Foundation 
The Tim Horton Children's Foundation (THCF) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974 that is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children and youth from low-income families. The Foundation's funding comes from Tim Hortons Camp Day, fundraising activities, special events, and year-round public donations collected through counter and drive-thru coin boxes, as well as other donations. By the end of 2016, more than 237,000 children will have attended a Foundation camp at no cost to them or their families. For more information about the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, please visit www.thcf.com.

About the Tim Horton Children's Foundation Camps
The first Tim Horton Children's Foundation camp opened in Parry Sound, ON in 1975 with just 200 kids. Today, the Foundation operates seven camps across North America and will serve more than 19,000 children from low-income families in 2016. Camp programs include a traditional summer camp for kids ages nine to 12, an experience lasting three to seven days in length for schools and youth-serving agencies throughout the fall, winter and spring, and a five-level Youth Leadership Program for participants ages 13 to 17, focused on building lifelong leadership skills. Guests can make donations year-round at thcf.com.   

Tim Hortons^® Overview
TIM HORTONS^®, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, TIM HORTONS^® appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of December 31, 2015, TIM HORTONS^® had more than 4,400 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and the Middle East. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

About Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with approximately $23 billion in system sales and over 19,000 restaurants in approximately 100 countries and U.S. territories. Restaurant Brands International owns two of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands – TIM HORTONS® and BURGER KING®. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees, and communities for over 50 years. To learn more about Restaurant Brands International, please visit the Company's website at www.rbi.com.

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