Over the weekend from Feb. 3-5, Special Olympics will be benefiting from the sales of Tim Hortons donuts with proceeds going to support programs in communities including Lloydminster.
The sweet fundraiser will see patrons being able to buy donuts for $1.99, be it one savoury delight or an entire box of sugary goodness, and in the case of Lloydminster the funds will support over 80 athletes in the various programs.
With the campaign running over three days as compared to just one day previously, Mark Witzaney, the chair person with the local special olympics affiliate indicates it will put the work that they do in the spotlight.
“The best part I still think is the awareness. Just by being aware that they are in our community. Lots of our special olympics athletes are employed in the community too. Even though we have some physical and intellectual disabilities – we’re still part of the community and we want to compete and strive in different sports.”
The special olympics volunteer team in Lloydminster runs programs over the winter months with bowling on Mondays and walking at the upstairs track at Servus Sports Centre on Thursdays. They are always looking for more volunteers to support the effort, says Witzaney as he expresses gratitude for the corporate and community support.
“Tim Hortons is actually running this campaign all across Canada for three days. Not only does it raise awareness to choose to include, but it also raises a whole bunch of funds for all the different programs. Part of the program is selling donuts for $1.99. We challenge each other to promote it by getting different companies to go out and buy donuts for lunch or special coffee breaks.”
As part of the Special Olympics Donut at Tim Hortons campaign, supporters may post pictures with their donuts to social media using #ChooseToIncude Donut as they challenge each other to match and surpass their sweet generosity.
Tim Hortons has been a partner with Special Olympics Canada since 2016.
