Government of Canada celebrates donation made to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen

October 14, 2010

KANANASKIS, ALBERTA — The Government of Canada and the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation today celebrated a donation made to the Foundation on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. The donation was announced in July, during Her Majesty’s visit to Canada, and acknowledges the Foundation’s hard work and success in supporting economically disadvantaged children.

Mr. Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Macleod, attended the celebration on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 

“Knowing that families are the building blocks of our society, the Government of Canada partners with the provinces, territories, private sector and non-profit organizations to help families build better and stronger futures,” said Mr. Menzies. “The donation that we are celebrating today will help the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation in its efforts to provide children with opportunities to build positive life skills through participation in challenging programs.”

The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, which opened its first camp in 1975, has served more than 140,000 children at five facilities in Canada and one in the United States. The Government’s donation is expected to help expand the horsemanship program at the Foundation camp in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, allowing more children the opportunity to learn basic education and riding skills.

“For many children, camp is the first time they will work up close with and responsibly care for a horse,” said Mr. Dave Newnham, Vice President, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation. “It’s a huge thrill and an incredible learning and growth experience. The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation is honoured to be recognized by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the federal government in the name of Queen Elizabeth II.”

The Government of Canada transfers more than $1.1 billion annually to the provinces and territories to support early childhood development and child care, including $250 million a year to create new child care spaces.

Other federal investments for families and children include the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement for low-income families, the Child Disability Benefit, the Universal Child Care Benefit, the Child Care Expense Deduction and a non-refundable child tax credit.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan improved the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Canada Child Tax Benefit by making them available to more families.