The Tim Horton’s Children’s Foundation mission states “we are dedicated to fostering within our children the quest for a brighter future. We are committed to providing an enriching and memorable camp experience for children and youth living in low income homes” and local Tim Hortons Franchise Owner, Andrew Marriott echoes that statement.
Across Canada and the United States, one in seven children and youth live in poverty. The reality for these kids is that even though they have the potential and desire to succeed, they often lack the opportunities and face numerous barriers to reach their full potential. Together, we can change this. The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation was established in 1974 in memory of the great hockey player, Tim Horton. The Foundation was started in Tim’s honour as a way to make a difference in the lives of children. The first camp was built in Parry Sound, Ontario, and was home to over 200 campers in its first summer of operation in 1975. Today the Foundation has six camps with one to be opened in June 2015 located across Canada and one in the United States.
This is the third year that Marriott has hosted the poker tournament that has proven to be a crowd favorite as this was the biggest year yet. With WestJet being the major sponsor of the event, they had generously donated the grand prize of a trip for two anywhere that WestJet flies, but at the event surprised everyone by announcing they had brought a second pair of tickets to be auctioned off live at the event. The tickets went for an impressive $6000!
There were 185 players and $26,000 was raised with Yvette Kain coming out on top at the end of the night.
“Extra special thanks to WestJet Airlines for not only donating one trip for two anywhere WestJet flies, but brought in ANOTHER one to be auctioned off at the tournament. Alex Halat stepped up once again this year and helped support the camp along with many local businesses like Reid Built Home, Revive Projects, Lifepath Wellness, The Point Restaurant and Lakeside Green Golf Course”, said Andrew Marriott.
“We are thrilled with raising over $70,000 in the three years that we have held this event in Chestermere”.
The tournament once again took place at The Point and went into the wee hours of the morning – but with all the money going to an incredible cause, all ego and desire to win stayed at the door. This was a tournament of the heart.
