Tim Hortons Camp Day, an annual fundraiser that helps send economically disadvantaged kids to camp, will take place on Wednesday, June 6.
On Camp Day, Tim Hortons restaurant owners donate all proceeds from coffee sales to the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation (THCF), which helps send more than 15,000 kids each year on a fun-filled camping adventure.
Paige Ellerton from Golden is the Golden British Columbia Youth Leadership graduate representative from the Tim Hortons Children Foundation.
Ellerton first attended camp when she was in Grade 7. Six years later she has successfully graduated from high school, and is working towards her nursing degree.
She credits camp for giving her the confidence and leadership skills that she uses in her daily life.
“It is like a getaway. It is always full of adventure and you get to meet new people. It is something I could not ever see a kid turn down. It is an exciting place to be,” Ellerton said. “There is so much positivity and encouragement.”
Last summer was the last time Ellerton could go to camp as a participant, but she is hopeful to get involved in other ways as the years pass.
Ellerton recently started working at the Tim Hortons in Golden and said she is very excited about being involved in the Camp Day event at the store this year.
“I can be a part of the helping and encouraging kids to be a part of it. I can’t see camp ending because it is so important to so many people,” she said.
If Ellerton could give a message to someone thinking about attending this camp, it would be, “take it and run with it. Enjoy every experience and take what they have learned back home in use it in their everyday lives.”
The Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974 that is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children and youth living in economically disadvantaged homes. 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.
Since 1975, more than 175,000 children have attended a Foundation camp at no cost to themselves or their families.
