The copper coin may be coming to an end, but its impact is long-lasting for the economically disadvantaged kids who take part in Tim Horton Children's Foundation programs.

OAKVILLE, ON, Jan. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Every penny really does count for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation. Each year, the Foundation collects almost $1 million in pennies dropped into collection boxes at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada.  Starting January 21 through to February 24, Tim Horton Children's Foundation is asking Canadians to give their remaining pennies a fond farewell by donating them to support kids in need across Canada with the gift of camp.

"Tim Hortons guests have proven year after year that just one penny can make a difference in the lives of deserving children," says Dave Newnham, Vice President and Executive Director, Tim Horton Children's Foundation. "The approximate $1 million the Foundation raises each year through penny donations in restaurant coin boxes sends hundreds and hundreds of kids to camp. These are children for whom we can effect positive change and a greater confidence about their future."

The Tim Horton Children's Foundation started in 1975 in Parry Sound, ON, with just one camp and 200 kids. It now operates six year-round camps across North America and has served more than 165,000 kids through its programs. Children in communities across Canada are sponsored by Tim Hortons restaurant owners to attend one of three types of programs offered, including a traditional summer camp (ages 9-12), a year-round camp serving schools and youth groups (ages 8-18) in the fall, winter and spring, and a five-level program focused on building lifelong leadership skills (ages 13-18). All programs are designed to increase self-confidence, self-esteem and teach leadership skills that will continue to benefit campers for years to come. The powerful life experiences learned at THCF camps come at absolutely no cost to the kids and their families.

"We are truly thankful for the support of our loyal guests and restaurant owners year after year," said Newnham. "Through their generous donations and fundraising efforts, we are able to cover the full cost of a first-class camp experience for so many deserving children each year. Now, with pennies going out of production, it's important for our guests to collect and donate their unwanted pennies to help us send more kids to camp. And, more importantly, to continue to donate spare change to coin boxes in Tim Hortons restaurants once the penny is no longer in circulation."

In 2012, the Tim Horton Children's Foundation sent more than 15,000 children to camp. More than 75 per cent of revenue generated by the Foundation comes from Camp Day activities and Tim Hortons coin boxes, with coin boxes at Tim Hortons counters and drive-thrus raising about $7 million annually.

About Tim Hortons Inc.
Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of September 30th, 2012, Tim Hortons had 4,138 system-wide restaurants, including 3,365 in Canada, 755 in the United States and 18 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com. Follow Tim Hortons on Twitter: www.twitter.com/timhortons. 

About The Tim Horton Children's Foundation
The Tim Horton Children's Foundation (THCF) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974 that is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children and youth living in economically disadvantages home. 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. Since 1975, more than 165,000 children have attended a Foundation camp at no cost to them or their families. For more information about the Tim Horton Children's Foundation, please visit www.thcf.com. 

SOURCE Tim Hortons Inc.

Image with caption: "Each year, the Tim Horton Children's Foundation collects almost $1 million in pennies dropped into collection boxes at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada. Starting January 21 through to February 24, Tim Horton Children's Foundation is asking Canadians to give their remaining pennies a fond farewell by donating them to support kids in need across Canada with the gift of camp. (CNW Group/Tim Hortons Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130121_C7097_PHOTO_EN_22714.jpg