Donations pour in for Tim Horton’s Camp Day

May 31, 2017 | 12:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — For the one in seven children in Canada who live below the poverty line, camp isn’t always an option.

Every year Tim Hortons sends 250-thousand kids to its camps throughout North America for a chance to allow kids to meet other kids and focus on having fun.

Every year the restaurant holds its ‘Camp Day’ with proceeds going towards making that dream come true.

On Wednesday there were some special guests on hand to ensure the day was a success.

Tim Horton’s Sahali location was a sea of colour on Wednesday

“Every year we have coloured shirts, this year we have four colours which is fun,” said Denise Campbell, Manager at the Sahali Tim Hortons. 

On the back of those shirts are various quotes reflecting what camp means to Tim Hortons kids.

“They get to do pretty much everything there from hiking, kayaking, all sorts of stuff,” said Campbell “I had a little cousin that went and she’s still friends with some of the kids she met.”

According to Campbell, around ten kids from Kamloops attended Tim Horton’s camps last year.

Getting them there starts with coffee. 

On Wednesday all proceeds from Tim Horton’s coffee, as well bracelets and various prize draws, went towards sending kids to camp, with support pouring in.

“It’s been great, we’re getting big money donations up to $20 from some people. We even ran out of bracelets, so it’s been fabulous today,” added Campbell.

Adding to the excitement is retired B.C. Lions receiver turned drive-thru all star Geroy Simon.

“This is a lot harder than football,” joked Simon.

Simon, as well as Jason Arakgi and Rollie Lambala,  took a break from the B.C. Lions spring training camp in Kamloops to volunteer their time at various Tim Horton’s throughout the city.

“Kids are the future of everything so we need to make sure they’re going the right direction,” said Simon.

“We’ve done it for a number of years since coming to Kamloops,” said Wally Buono, Head Coach of the B.C. Lions. “We wanted to give this support to Tim Hortons Camp Day as well to come out and say hi to the customers and the fans.”

With last year’s Camp Day raising close to $10-million, organizers and staff are hopeful this year’s total will be even better.

“We’re looking forward to the end of the day and seeing where we’re at for donations.”