– Tims Foundation to launch digital camp community as physical camps postponed due to COVID-19 –
Tim Hortons Foundation Camps is reimagining its summer camp programming for youth from disadvantaged circumstances with a comprehensive online experience that reinforces its focus on supporting them emotionally and developmentally through this challenging time. The launch of Tims eCamp is set for July 2020 and will serve as an alternative to the Foundation's physical camp experience which must be postponed until at least Fall 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As a leader in youth development, the Tims Foundation will leverage existing program curriculum, from their year-round School and Summer Programs, and reformat it for digital delivery.
"For the past 45 summers, we have proudly served youth from Tim Hortons communities with life-changing camp experiences," said Dave Newnham, President and Executive Director, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. "This pandemic has made it increasingly challenging to safely plan and prepare for our in-person, overnight camp programs this summer. Until Fall 2020 at the earliest, we will be suspending all in-person programs and refocusing our efforts on this new, interactive, digital approach."
Tims eCamp will support youth in accessing the online programming through either connectivity or devices. With enhanced measures to ensure camper safety and security, Tims eCamp will introduce eCabins lead by trained facilitators that will guide group instruction and help campers cultivate positive connections with peers from their community. Campers who were registered to take part in physical camp this summer will be eligible to participate in the new Tims eCamp experience. Additional details and registration information will be shared with our camper families in the coming weeks.
Making the transition to the Tims eCamp approach possible is the ongoing support from Tim Hortons and Restaurant Brands International (RBI) who have committed to financially backstop the Foundation Camps. With this support, the Foundation can quickly pivot to innovate its programming while eliminating the need for summer layoffs among full-time salaried employees. Tim Hortons Camp Day, the Foundations largest annual fundraiser thanks to restaurant owners and guests, is an important piece of this support and Tim Hortons is committed to rescheduling it later this summer. Tims Foundation will also be working with the federal government to explore ways in which the recently expanded Canada Summer Jobs Program can support seasonal student eCabin counsellor roles.
"The Foundation Camps have been core to our Tim Hortons brand for decades and have been passionately supported by our restaurant owners, team members and guests. Now, more than ever, we are committed to support vulnerable youth from our communities who need our help the most," said Duncan Fulton, Chief Corporate Officer, Tim Hortons, and Chairman, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. "The Tims family is grateful for the chance to continue our support for the Foundation, and all those they serve, during these challenging times. Acting to backstop operations, maintain jobs and support innovative new programing for campers is a privilege."
Guests can donate to support the development of Tims eCamp by visiting our website here or creating their own virtual fundraising event here.
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About Tim Hortons® Foundation Camps
Tim Hortons® Foundation Camps is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974 helping kids to change their stories for the better. A leader in youth development programming, Tims Camps support youth from low income homes between the ages of 12 to 16 – an important developmental time that helps shape who they will become as adults. Through a multi-year, camp-based program, youth learn skills like leadership, resilience and responsibility, which empower them to believe in their own potential and change their stories for the better. With seven camps in North America that run year-round Summer and School Programs, youth are supported to thrive when they return home, to excel in post-secondary education, to succeed at work and to contribute positively to their communities. 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. More than 295,000 kids have attended a Foundation camp at no cost to them or their families. For more information about Tim Hortons® Foundation Camps, please visit timhortons.com/foundation.
About Tim Hortons® Canada
In 1964, the first Tim Hortons® restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Double ™ coffees, Donuts and Timbits® in the years since. Over the last 55 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians. Tim Hortons is Canada's largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry serving over 5 million cups of coffee every day with 80% of Canadians visiting one of nearly 4,000 Tim Hortons in Canada at least once a month. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages – including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps™ – alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 4,800 restaurants in Canada, the United States and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit TimHortons.com.
SOURCE Tim Hortons
For further information: Media Contacts: Shannon Hall, Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, Shannon.hall@thcf.com; Mary Lowe, Tim Hortons, mlowe@timhortons.com
