Tim Horton’s has always been a major community player, wherever its coffee shops pop up. Now, it’s making a really big commitment to help many affected communities by offering a special charity doughnut in aid of wildfire victims…
A gigantic wildfire ‘climbs over the mountains’ toward a large urban area…
The chain’s founder, Toronto Maple Leafs’ star Tim Horton, started it all in 1964 with the establish-ment of the TH Foundation. Perhaps the most enduring mark of his dedication to community service is the legendary TH Summer Camps for kids. Since 1974, the program has spread across North Amer-ica and hosted more than 320,000 kids.
Raising the bar
Now, Horton’s is taking on another mammoth challenge: helping Western Canada wildfire victims. And they’re focusing the effort on a single, symbolic fundraising doughnut. The full $2 price of each sinker (tax out) will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal.
“Local Tim Horton’s restaurant owners have been donating food and beverages to first responders and evacuation centres since the heartbreaking wildfires first broke out in Jasper,” Jason Gash, Gen-eral Manager of Western Canada for Tim Horton’s, said in a news release. “And right across Alberta, Tims owners have wanted to lend their support.”
The release continues: “Donations can also be made online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800- 418-1111. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will match every dollar donated by Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal.”
Red Cross grateful
“We are very grateful for the generosity of Tim Horton’s and its customers,” said Amy Avis, Chief of Emergencies, Canadian Red Cross. “The needs of the people impacted by the wildfires that destroyed many parts of the Jasper area will continue to emerge in the weeks and months ahead.
“The Red Cross is committed to working with the community of Jasper, Indigenous leadership, and all levels of government to help individuals and families as they recover.”
Record-breaking fire season
The Western Wildfire Season has already broken records. As of this past July 31, Natural Resources Canada (NRC) reports 3,917 wildfires had broken out engulfing 2,713,445 hectares / 10,477 sq. mi.
“Canada is at national preparedness level 5 (highest level), […] demand for interagency resources through CIFFC (Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre) is extreme, […] national availability of re-sources is limited, [and] international resources are being mobilized.”
To date, tens of thousands of residents in fire-ravaged areas have been forced from their homes. Many have lost everything they owned. The need for humanitarian aid is extreme, to say the least.
My take
Tim’s may no longer (technically) be Canadian owned, but it remains a Canadian institution. And its commitment to help, at a time of national disaster, is a shining example of corporate leadership in action.
Even if you don’t like doughnuts, or you’re not a Horton’s fan, I hope you’ll donate to the cause. Visit www.redcross.ca or by call 1-800-418-1111. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will match every dollar donated by Canadians.
~ Maggie J.