It's all hands on deck at the southend Tim Hortons restaurant on 50th Ave. in Lloydminster today to promote the national franchise Camp Day charity drive.
Lloydminster volunteers from the RCMP, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) and Bobcats hockey players took a turn behind the counter.
Youth leaders from Tim Hortons Children's Ranch in Kananaskis, Alberta where some local kids go to camp, were also on hand to pump the event.
"It is such an exciting day for us," said a counsellor who identified herself by her fun camp name Chi.
"For me, this is the first time going around to different Tim Hortons locations and promoting Camp Day."
All proceeds from the sale of all hot and ice coffee goes to Foundation camps along with the sale of $3 bracelets, $2 badges, donations and round-up prices on Tim Hortons' app purchases.
Local restaurant owner, Kristine Whitney, says last year the corporate campaign raised $12.7 million and they are hoping to beat that this year.
Business was brisk at the mid morning coffee break to the delight of Whitney, who also owns the 50th Ave. north Tim Hortons franchise.
"It's been really good. The community is awesome and supportive. It's been great so far," said Whitney.
"This is our own charity for Tim Hortons. It's very important. It's huge. The camp is amazing. We send several kids out of the community today. All the money we raise today is local."
Jackie Weed, executive director of BBBS, and Brenda Robinson, director of finance, were on hand to talk about how local kids aged 11 to 16 get picked for camp and return as leaders.
"Over the years, we've gotten the applications to send the kids to the camp and we've had the opportunity for those kids to go back to the leadership part of the camp," said Weed.
"To us this is a big deal."
The non-profit organization will send about four of five kids from the Lloydminster area to the Kananaskis camp this summer.
"It's something they really look forward to. It's really the opportunity of a lifetime," said Weed, who tagged up with Robinson to pitch in a one-hour shift.
"We're just here volunteering because the proceeds from camp, they help to send those kids to camp. So, it's super important that we're giving back to the community," explained Weed.
Chi says it will definitely be an exciting experience and a potential life-changing one for the local kids going to camp.
"The camp experience means a lot to the kids. It really makes an impact on their confidence, on their communication skills, on their leadership. That's what we really strive towards out program, " she said.
Read More: Camp Day excites youth agency
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