Skip to content
Tim Hortons Logo
Every Cup Tells A Story®

Behind every cup of Tim Hortons coffee is a fellow Canadian, helping to make our communities stronger. We’re travelling across Canada to hear their unique stories. Here is just a few of them.

 
Chris
“I want to turn a family legacy into a community legacy.”

Chris, Restaurant Owner from Hamilton, ON

Michael
“The confidence I gained impressed my family.”

Michael, Tim Horton Camper from Ottawa, ON

Vania
“This experience changed my life. Now it’s my duty to pay it forward.”

Vania, Team Member from Burlington, ON

Steve and Bessie
“We are here every day for more than just the coffee.”

Steve and Bessie, Guests from Barrie, ON

Greg
“With Tim Hortons, we’re able to give back on a whole other scale.”

Greg, Restaurant Owner from Cowichan Valley, BC

Paul and Sharlene
“We always wanted to do something as a team.”

Paul and Sharlene, Restaurant Owner from Calgary, AB

Alex
“It’s amazing to see the next generation starting to give back.”

Alex, Guest from Calgary, AB

Gustavo
“One of the biggest things I can thank camp for is confidence.”

Gustavo, Camper from Vancouver, BC

Troy
“My favorite part is seeing our regular guests happy.”

Troy, Team Member from Vancouver, BC

Ken
“It wasn’t success that motivated me, it was my love for the people.”

Ken, Restaurant Owner from Winnipeg, MB

St. Michaels Community School
“We aren’t just helping the community, we’re helping the kids learn their culture.”

St. Michaels Community School, Guests from Saskatoon, SK



Rhonda
“We’re just looking to make a difference in the community.”

Rhonda, Restaurant Owners from Brandon, MB

Muhki
“It’s like you’re serving coffee to your family every morning.”

Muhki, Guests from Regina, SK


Peace
“Everyone should speak up and use their voice.”

Peace, Camper from Saskatoon, SK

Ambrish
“If you have passion for what you do, people will take notice.”

Ambrish, Restaurant Owner from Toronto, ON

Chris
“Giving back is in the fabric of our community and our company.”

Chris, Restaurant Owner from Windsor, ON

Bill
“There’s something special about hockey that brings communities together.”

Bill, Restaurant Owner from Ottawa, ON


Theresa
“My family’s grown up with Tim Hortons. And so has our community.”

Theresa, Restaurant Owner from Midland, ON

Danielle
“It’s a passion for me, seeing people flourish.”

Danielle, Restaurant Owner from Longueuil, QC


Gary
“We wanted to support the little guys.”

Gary, Restaurant Owner from Moncton, NB

Donna
“Every single person deserves to feel part of their community.”

Donna, Guest from Windsor, NS


Justin
“I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.”

Justin, Team Member from Bathurst, NB

Andrea
“I feel fortunate that I have the ability to be a leader in my community.”

Andrea, Restaurant Owner from St. John’s, NF


Danny
“Giving back is my favourite part of the job.”

Danny, Restaurant Owner from Charlottetown, PEI

Joan
“I just do what I can to make somebody else’s life better.”

Joan, Restaurant Owner from Windsor, NS


Stéphan
“I work from the heart, every day.”

Stéphan, member of the corporate team, Lévis, QC

Zakary
“The Tim Horton camp counsellors change the way you see life.”

Zakary, former camper and current camp counsellor from Québec, QC


Claudette
“We participate in the cause for the love of children.”

Claudette and Maman Dion, clients, Lanaudière, QC

Grid 1-1 Photo
“I want to turn a family legacy into a community legacy.”

As a third-generation Restaurant Owner, it isn’t surprising that Chris spent much of his childhood inside a Tim Hortons. Helping out with jobs in the restaurant, he learned the ins and outs of business operations. And while working with the Team Members and interacting with Guests, he learned that the business is about much more than serving cups of coffee. It’s about care. Now Chris owns restaurants of his own. And with recurring projects like a monthly lunch program at a neighbouring school, to spur-of-the-moment events like hosting birthdays at his restaurants, he wakes up each morning excited to create a better community for his team and his guests He also involves his children whenever he can, hoping they’ll continue in his legacy of giving back.

Thank you, Chris. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Chris, Restaurant Owner from Hamilton, ON

Grid 1-2 Photo
“The confidence I gained impressed my family.”

After years at a refugee camp in Tanzania, Michael and his family had the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. They settled into their new home in Ottawa where Michael started school as a fifth-grade student. Although thrilled to start his new life in Canada, he knew only a little English and was often shy and nervous in his new surroundings. It wasn’t until he attended Tim Horton Camp in Parry Sound that he came out of his shell. The friends he made there immediately took him under their wings and challenged him to different experiences. Whether it was trying new activities like canoeing and zip-lining, or new foods like chili and banana splits, Michael came home after his 10 days of camp with a new confidence. Understanding the power of a helping hand, Michael has become a leader at home, in his school and his community, doing things like working with incoming students at his school to help them find their place in their new surroundings just as he found his.

Thank you, Michael. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Michael, Tim Horton Camper from Ottawa, ON

Grid 2-1 Photo
“This experience changed my life. Now it’s my duty to pay it forward.”

Vania arrived in Canada from Cuba with little more than a couple of dollars in her pocket and a few words of English in her vocabulary. Without any previous knowledge of the brand or even what a donut was, a Manager recognized her work ethic and passion and gave Vania her first job at Tim Hortons. Grateful for this chance, she challenged herself to learn a new word of English each day with the help of her coworkers, and worked her way from the kitchen to the cash to General Manager. Now Vania’s in charge of her own store, and spends her time learning the coffee orders of the regulars who come in each day. To her, Tim Hortons represents chance and change. And whenever possible, she looks to hire new Canadians at her restaurant, giving them the same life-changing opportunity she received 17 years ago.

Thank you, Vania. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Vania, Team Member from Burlington, ON

Grid 2-2 Photo
“We are here every day for more than just the coffee.”

Steve and Bessie have been visiting the same Tim Hortons together for over 20 years. And when you see these two at their usual spot, they aren’t just two familiar faces. They’re a set of ears for staff to confide in. A pair of hands to help at community events. And even a team of recruiters getting neighbourhood kids their first jobs. They’re more than just loyal Guests of the restaurant, they’re honorary Owners.

Thank you, Steve and Bessie. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Steve and Bessie, Guests from Barrie, ON

Greg, Restaurant Owner from Cowichan Valley, BC
“With Tim Hortons, we’re able to give back on a whole other scale.”

Greg retired from a 17-year career in the NHL but knew he needed to keep busy, finding new ways to give back. So, he and his wife opened the first Tim Hortons in the small town they grew up in. Already heavily involved with community events of his own through his years as a professional athlete, Greg’s transition to the world of Tim Hortons was a seamless one. Now with the support of a national brand, his and his wife’s contributions have been taken to the next level. Where they once sponsored a single Timbit hockey team, they now sponsor over 75 across the Cowichan Valley.

Thank you, Greg. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Greg, Restaurant Owner from Cowichan Valley, BC

Paul and Sharlene, Restaurant Owner from Calgary, AB
“We always wanted to do something as a team.”

Best friends make the best teams. That’s why Paul and his wife Sharlene left their jobs to open up a Tim Hortons restaurant. Having fallen in love with the Tim Hortons’ brand values of generosity and community, they started to live those values themselves. Now, Paul and Sharlene try to participate in as many community events as possible. Every year they support the Calgary Stampede breakfast, feeding the locals and tourists. They also participate in community cleanups to keep their city beautiful.

Thank you, Paul and Sharlene. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Paul and Sharlene, Restaurant Owner from Calgary, AB

Alex, Guest from Calgary, AB
“It’s amazing to see the next generation starting to give back.”

Alex grew up in a lower-income neighbourhood of Calgary and attributes much of his success to the role models in his community. Now Alex is a role model himself, and with the strong relationship he’s built with his local Tim Hortons, he’s been able to give back in amazing ways, like organizing the world’s longest hockey game, which raised over four million dollars for Alberta Children’s Hospital. But no matter how much money he raises, the thing he’s most proud of is that he inspires the youth in his community to want to give back, too.

Thank you, Alex. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Alex, Guest from Calgary, AB

Gustavo, Camper from Vancouver, BC
“One of the biggest things I can thank camp for is confidence.”

Gustavo was thrilled at the opportunity to attend the Tim Horton Children’s Ranch in Kananaskis, Alberta. While he had always been passionate about the arts, he was eager to explore other activities outside his comfort zone. Be it hiking or rafting, he discovered exciting new activities he’d never tried before. And by pushing his boundaries, he also developed a passion for helping others do the same. Now whether he’s doing volunteer work for students with disabilities, sharing his passion for art with his peers, or advocating for LGBTAQ+ issues, Gustavo has the courage to be the change he wants to see in his community.

Thank you, Gustavo. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Gustavo, Camper from Vancouver, BC

Troy, Team Member from Vancouver, BC
“My favorite part is seeing our regular guests happy.”

Not only is Troy a Special Olympics champion, he’s a champion of his community too. Troy has won gold medals in powerlifting and track and field while at the Special Olympics. Working at Tim Hortons has helped him build the confidence that he credits with his athletic success. Now Troy tries to give back to his community by doing the little things like holding the door open for customers and putting a smile on people’s faces. Not only does Troy love the food he serves, he loves the people he serves it to as well.

Thank you, Troy. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Troy, Team Member from Vancouver, BC

Ken, Restaurant Owner from Winnipeg, MB
“It wasn’t success that motivated me, it was my love for the people.”

Rising to a Manager position at the impressively young age of 16, Ken was always extremely driven. Even in high school, the prospect of owning his own business and inspiring others excited him, and he knew that Tim Hortons would be the perfect fit. Ken opened his first Tim Hortons Restaurant when he was just 25 years old. But it was never the desire for success that kept him going. It was his love for the people he worked with and served. And with his fun-loving, energetic personality, he helps brighten the days of all those who step into his Restaurants.

Thank you, Ken. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Ken, Restaurant Owner from Winnipeg, MB

St. Michaels Community School, Guests from Regina, SK
“We aren’t just helping the community, we’re helping the kids learn their culture.”

With hopes of broadening the experiences of their senior students, the St. Michaels School sent them to the Tim Hortons Community Leadership Camp. The students returned home inspired to create an outreach program of their own and decided to embrace the history of their hometown by reading Métis books to groups in their city. They started by reading to students with disabilities, and their program has grown to include new Canadians and Métis elders. The initiative has given these kids the chance to form bonds with members of their community, all while learning about the history that helped form it.

Thank you, to all the students. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

St. Michaels Community School, Guests from Regina, SK

Rhonda, Restaurant Owners from Brandon, MB
“We’re just looking to make a difference in the community.”

Rhonda and her husband Craig moved to Brandon with a dream of opening up the first Tim Hortons in their new hometown. After months of hard work, their dream finally came true. Blessed with this opportunity, they felt it was their responsibility to give back. With initiatives like running a soup kitchen, their community involvement ended up being the thing they both took the most pride in. And although Craig has since passed away, Rhonda’s nephew and two children have since joined the business, ensuring a piece of Craig and the dream they had together continues to live on.

Thank you, Rhonda. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Rhonda, Restaurant Owners from Brandon, MB

Muhki, Team Member from Saskatoon, SK
“It’s like you’re serving coffee to your family every morning.”

Two days after being offered a position at a Tim Hortons in a new province, Muhki and her family moved from their home in Abbottsford, BC to Saskatoon. The move was quick, but everyone at her new Restaurant immediately welcomed them into their community, and inspired her to always bring a warm, open-hearted approach to everything she does. Now, whether she’s starting someone’s day with a cup of coffee and a smile or helping recent immigrants into their new homes through the Temple she volunteers at, Muhki hopes to pass along this passion of care to everyone she can.

Thank you, Muhki. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Muhki, Guests from Regina, SK

Peace, Camper from Saskatoon, SK
“Everyone should speak up and use their voice.”

Although Peace has only been in Canada for five years, she’s already making a difference in her community. When Peace first attended Tim Horton Camp she was encouraged by her counselors to try public speaking, and in this moment Peace found her passion. She now uses her voice to energize and motivate audiences at Spoken Word shows. Coming from a place where she felt her voice was limited to today, Peace’s voice is one that can be heard throughout the community.

Thank you, Peace. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Peace, Camper from Saskatoon, SK

Ambrish, Restaurant Owner from Toronto, ON
“If you have passion for what you do, people will take notice.”

Ambrish emigrated from India to find a safe and accepting place to raise his family. For years he worked across the street from a Tim Hortons, and noticing its popularity with Canadians, decided to find out why. He discovered that the same values that drew him to Canada were deeply rooted in the brand and knew this was the place for him. Now a Restaurant Owner, Ambrish inspires his Team Members daily to bring more than themselves to work, but to bring their heart and souls. Because a cup of coffee can be found at any store but a welcoming atmosphere can’t.

Thank you, Ambrish. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Ambrish, Restaurant Owner from Toronto, ON

Chris, Restaurant Owner from Windsor, ON
“Giving back is in the fabric of our community and our company.”

Immigrating to Windsor as a child, Chris became familiar with the ups and downs of living in an automotive city. Although times weren’t always easy, he noticed the local Tim Hortons were always a source of support for the communities during economic challenges. Now an Owner himself, Chris continues Tim Hortons’ legacy of giving back, doing things like providing soup at the local mission. He understands that it’s the people in the community that keep his store thriving, so when they’re in need, it’s his and his staff’s responsibility to help however they can.

Thank you, Chris. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Chris, Restaurant Owner from Windsor, ON

Bill
“There’s something special about hockey that brings communities together.”

With over 20 years of experience in sports management, Bill was looking for a new challenge and a new way to give back to his community. When a friend suggested he look into purchasing a Tim Hortons Restaurant, things fell perfectly into place. Tim Hortons’ presence in youth hockey immediately gave him the chance to get involved in sports again, but this time in his local community. Now whether he and his staff are volunteering at Timbits hockey jamborees or supporting Junior A games, there’s no event, or player, too small that isn’t deserving of a helping hand.

Thank you, Bill. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Bill, Restaurant Owner from Ottawa, ON

Theresa, Restaurant Owner from Midland, ON
“My family’s grown up with Tim Hortons. And so has our community.”

For Theresa, Tim Hortons has always been in her blood. Working at the original Tim Hortons camp in Parry Sound as a teen, to helping her mom open the first Tim Hortons in their small town, she’s been involved with the brand for over 40 years. And as she prepares to hand the franchise onto her daughter, just as her mother did for her, she’s noticed that it hasn’t just been generations of her family that have passed through the doors of the restaurant, it’s been generations of loyal Team Members and Guests.

Thank you, Theresa. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Theresa, Restaurant Owner from Midland, ON

Danielle
“It’s a passion for me, seeing people flourish.”

For more than thirty-five years, Danielle has dedicated herself to motivating her teams to reach their full potential, both at work and in life. This desire to make a difference in people’s lives led her to take Annick, the daughter of one of her employees, under her wing — by sending her to Tim Horton Children Foundation Camp. That experience gave Annick the courage and perseverance to realize her dreams. Annick has been running her own Tim’s franchise for 10 years, now, and she’s making a difference in her own community, thanks to Danielle’s support.

Thanks, Danielle. And thanks to all of you who help make our community stronger.

Danielle, Restaurant Owner from Longueuil, QC

Gary
“We wanted to support the little guys.”

In 1982, Gary’s five-year-old son Craig was playing his first season of hockey. With an underfunded and unsponsored team, his jersey was down to his ankles and filled with holes. Gary knew there was a better way. So, he met with the local hockey organization and created the Timbits program. His son was so thrilled with the brand-new jersey that he wore it to school and to bed. Thanks to Gary’s initiative, Timbits Sports now supports 300,000 kids a year. He’s helped create a legacy that will live on in Canadian sports for years.

Thank you, Gary. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Gary, Restaurant Owner from Moncton, NB

Donna
“Every single person deserves to feel part of their community.”

In a town of only 3,500 people, it can be hard for the homeless to find a meal, let alone a place to lay their head. That’s why Donna and her husband started Harvest House. By providing a safe and welcoming space for the homeless in her small town, she’s already helped hundreds of people get back on their feet. And with coffee and snacks provided by Tim Hortons, she’s able to regularly host events like Thanksgiving dinners and Friday night drop-ins to help her guests feel part of the community.

Thank you, Donna. And thanks to all of you who help make our community stronger.

Donna, Guest from Windsor, NS

Justin
“I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to.”

After college, Justin was on the hunt for a workplace where he could be part of a supportive team. His first job at Tim Hortons was the perfect fit and helped him grow as a young man. Once shy and secluded, Justin has become a social butterfly, gaining confidence and independence while discovering a sense of purpose within his community. Now, with the help of his mom, he runs a Facebook page that showcases his journey, showing that autism won’t stop him from accomplishing his dreams. He regularly meets with other young adults on the autism spectrum, inspiring them to realize their full potential.

Thank you, Justin. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Justin, Team Member from Bathurst, NB

Andrea
“I feel fortunate that I have the ability to be a leader in my community.”

With the help of a few four-legged friends, Andrea has helped change her community forever. Over 20 years ago, she began sponsoring the Rainbow Riders program, helping children with disabilities develop through therapeutic horseback riding. But she was determined to do even more. Using proceeds from the annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie™ program, Andrea and her fellow Tim Hortons Owners together raised over $250,000 in donations for Rainbow Riders in just three years. Now a generation of children can experience the progressive form of therapy that’s bringing the community together.

Thank you, Andrea. And thanks to all of you who help make our community stronger.

Andrea, Restaurant Owner from St. John’s, NF

Danny
“Giving back is my favourite part of the job.”

Danny spent his childhood as a counsellor at the Oak Acres Camp outside Charlottetown. Shortly after purchasing his first Tim Hortons restaurant, he heard the camp was shutting down for financial reasons. Noticing the amazing effects camps have within communities, and with his own fond memories from Oak Acres, Danny decided to lease the camp himself to keep it open. For the past 25 years, he’s worked closely with schools from across the island to send deserving kids to Oak Acres Camp. And with a new 50-year lease, he’s thrilled that the wonders of camp will be available for generations to come.

Thank you, Danny. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Danny, Restaurant Owner from Charlottetown, PEI

Joan
“I just do what I can to make somebody else’s life better.”

Singing and connecting with the community are the only things Joan loves more than Tim Hortons. In her spare time, she and her band visit local retirement centres, serving up great songs and delicious Tim Hortons snacks. Some of the residents have been so thrilled with the performances that they’ve invited their family members to attend. Every day, Joan strives to put smiles on people’s faces, give back to her community, and connect with people through her singing.

Thank you, Joan. And thanks to all of you who help make our community stronger.

Joan, Restaurant Owner from Windsor, NS

Stéphan
“I work from the heart, every day.”

As a District Manager, Stéphan stops at nothing when it comes to encouraging his franchisees to get involved in their community. Even if it means getting a pie in the face or dumped into a tub of cold water to raise money on Camp Day! His passion for people began at the age of 15, during his very first job at a Tim’s. For the past 26 years, he has worked tirelessly to inspire his teams to do their best to serve the members of their community as if they were all part of the family.

Thanks, Stéphan. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Stéphan, member of the corporate team, Lévis, QC

Zakary
“The Tim Horton camp counsellors change the way you see life.”

As a child, Zakary had a lot of dreams — but he had neither the confidence nor the means to achieve them. Participating in one of the Tim Horton camps allowed him to develop his sense of leadership, and to gain confidence. But what he wanted above all was to one day be able to give back to the camp by becoming a counsellor himself, to recreate for others what he had experienced himself while he was there: to be a positive role model for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, to give them confidence in themselves and, above all, hope for the future, which he will do this summer at Tim Horton Onondaga Farms.

Thanks, Zakary. And thanks to all of you who help make our community stronger.

Zakary, former camper and current camp counsellor from Québec, QC

Claudette
“We participate in the cause for the love of children.”

Whether it’s through a stay at the camp or a donation of school supplies, the THCF and Maman Dion Foundations share a common mission: foster children’s self-esteem and equip them for the future. Inspired by the generosity of the Tim Hortons franchisee in their neighborhood, the Dion family has been involved with Camp Days for years. Their generosity and renown help make the event a success. The guests take the opportunity to come greet and thank the one and only Maman Dion, for whom the cause of disadvantaged children is a true calling.

Thanks, Claudette and Maman Dion. And thanks to all those who make our community stronger.

Claudette and Maman Dion, clients, Lanaudière, QC

UP

Your Tims Meal has

meal build close
meal build close

You have no items saved in your menu.

Add items to meal