On July 15, Grand 101 staff joined community members at the Tim Hortons on Tower Street for Camp Day; a fundraising campaign to support Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
The non-profit organization was founded in 1974 and gives Canadian youth from underserved communities an opportunity to reach new potentials through the camps.
The camps are provided at no cost to the families because on days like Camp Day, 100 per cent of hot and iced coffee sales were donated to the camps.
Raven is an activity facilitator at Tim Horton Onondaga Farms, located between Brantford and Cambridge, said programs like the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps provides a space for kids to learn and grow.
As an activity facilitator Raven helps to deliver educational programming which is specifically curated based on each camp location.
Onondaga farms features 400 acres of farm and wetlands and Raven said the variety of programming allows the kids to discover their interests in a welcoming and safe environment.
Raven (left) with franchise owner Peter Moorhead (right) | Mik Horvath
Raven said the kids are always particularly fond of the farm’s goat and donkey.
However, there are multiple organizations within Centre Wellington with a goal of supporting today’s youth.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington was also at the Camp Day on July 15, helping out with the daily operations as well has handing out badges and bracelets to support the cause.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that supports youth through mentorship on a variety of topics such as growing up, school, extracurriculars, life skills and more.
Nick is a mentoring coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters, meaning he assists the process of recruiting mentors and in the case of Camp Day, helps youth get access to Tim Hortons Foundation Camp programs.
He said mentoring and helping less-fortunate youth is directly impacting the future of the community.
With Big Brothers Big Sisters youth can be mentored by trusted adults and skilled workers such as those employed in emergency services.
Nick said these programs provide a gateway which otherwise may have remained closed.
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- Nick on the air with The Grand’s Dave Hannah | Mik Horvath
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- Tim Hortons was also accepting drive-thru donations | Mik Horvath
However, Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington needs an extra helping hand.
Nick said anyone interested in mentoring can reach out directly on the Big Brothers Big Sisters Website.
Raven said continuing to support local youth through programs like the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps builds the community.
Despite a hazy, orange-tinted day, Centre Wellington locals appeared in droves to support Camp Day and donors can still support the campaign by purchasing Camp Day donuts or making a direct donation online.
