This January 31st - February 2nd, will you #ChooseToInclude?

Special Olympics Canada has once again partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited time Special Olympics Donut, available from January 31st -February 2nd. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the donut will go directly to local Special Olympics community programs, supporting thousands of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Canada. Tim Hortons has been a proud partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2016-from sponsoring youth programs ActiveStart and FUNdamentals, to sending gift cards to Special Olympics activities across the country, supporting National Games and of course, creating a Special Olympics donut to raise funds and awareness for the movement. 

Like Special Olympics, Tim Hortons understands the power of inclusion – and its ability to change lives. 

Tim Hortons has hired many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at restaurants across the country, including many Special Olympics athletes! They truly are a place for everyone. 

We can create a better tomorrow when we #ChooseToInclude today.

Will you #ChooseToInclude?

Pre-Order your Special Olympics Donut!

For all orders of 6 or more Special Olympics Donuts, we strongly encourage you to use the Tim Hortons Pre-Order Form – please share with friends, family, colleagues or teammates! 

Complete the Pre-Order form and submit it to your nearest participating Tim Hortons Restaurant no less than 48 hours of your specified pickup date and time.

Meet our Athlete Ambassadors

Léo and Julia, ambassadors for this year’s Special Olympics Donut campaign, remind us that when we #ChooseToInclude, we’re not just supporting community sports programs across Canada—we’re building opportunities, fostering friendships, and creating a future where everyone belongs. Will you join them in creating a more inclusive tomorrow?

Leo

Special Olympics Athlete, Léo Soudin

Léo Soudin has been unstoppable since he first strapped on a pair of skis at the age of 12. Now 13 years into his Special Olympics journey, he’s a standout athlete in not one, but ten sports, ranging from alpine ski racing and snowshoe racing to basketball and powerlifting. This winter, Léo is dedicating eight hours a week to training in winter sports, while preparing to compete in powerlifting at the Special Olympics Quebec Summer Games in Granby. 

For Léo, sports are more than just competition—they’re a source of joy and community. “I love being part of a team,” he says with a wide smile. “I get to meet friends, have fun, and keep pushing myself.” 

Léo’s introduction to Special Olympics was serendipitous. His mom, Shelley, was exploring high school options for Leo when a chance conversation changed everything. “I didn’t even know there was a program like this for kids with intellectual or developmental disabilities,” Shelley recalls. “A parent I spoke with mentioned her husband’s ski team, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a try?’” That ski team, though an hour and a half away, opened up a world of opportunities for Léo. “He loved every second of it,” Shelley says. “They set up slalom courses, and he’d go up and down the mountain with this huge grin on his face.” 

From those early days on the slopes, Léo’s love for sport snowballed. Over the years, he’s tackled an incredible variety of events, earning accolades along the way. In 2020, he was named Male Athlete of the Year for Special Olympics Quebec, a moment that Shelley says filled the whole family with pride. “He’s worked so hard to get here,” she adds. 

Léo’s commitment to his community is as strong as his athletic drive. He’s a familiar face at fundraising events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run, motionball and the Polar Bear Plunge. “Giving back is important,” he says simply. “Special Olympics has given me so much, and I want to help others.” His pride for Special Olympics shines in all he does, including his role as an ambassador in this year’s commercial for the Special Olympics Donut. “Being part of the campaign was so exciting,” Léo shares. “When I see the Special Olympics Donut at Tim Hortons, I feel proud knowing it helps more athletes like me join the programs we love. Every donut makes a difference! ” 

Looking ahead, Léo is excited about the Special Olympics Quebec Summer Games and his chance to shine in powerlifting. “I’m ready to lift!” he says enthusiastically. Shelley, meanwhile, marvels at how far he’s come. “Special Olympics has done more than just make him a great athlete—it’s given him confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging.” 

For Léo, the journey is about much more than medals. “I just want to keep getting better and having fun,” he says. And with his determination and heart, there’s no doubt he’ll continue to inspire everyone he meets.

Julia

Special Olympics Athlete, Julia Romualdi

For Julia Romualdi, the rink isn’t just a place to skate—it’s where she found her voice. A Special Olympics Ontario athlete since the age of four, Julia has spent more than two decades proving that leadership, inclusion, and community can go hand in hand. Whether she’s landing a flawless routine in figure skating, scoring goals on the soccer field, or standing at the podium as an athlete leader, Julia has made it her mission to inspire others to see the abilities behind the athlete. 

“What I love most about Special Olympics is the friendships and giving back,” Julia says. “It’s not just about competing—it’s about building something bigger than yourself.” 

From winning a silver medal at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games 2015 to sharing the ice with Olympians and Special Olympics Champions Network members, Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their 2019 Rock the Rink Tour, Julia has had some unforgettable moments. But it’s her work beyond sport and competition that truly sets her apart. As a proud member of the Athlete Leadership Program with Special Olympics Ontario, Julia uses her platform to advocate for inclusion and create opportunities for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive. 

Her advocacy has even taken her to the global stage, where she presented at the Special Olympics Global Forum for Inclusion. There, she shared her efforts to introduce Special Olympics programming to new schools, helping expand opportunities for youth in her community. 

“Being an athlete leader means everything to me,” she says. “I want to show the world what we’re capable of.” 

Julia is passionate about initiatives that support the broader Special Olympics community and was thrilled to be an ambassador in this year’s commercial for the Special Olympics Donut. “I love seeing the Special Olympics Donut at Tim Hortons every year,” she says. “It makes me feel so proud to know that so many people support athletes like me. Special Olympics has given me the chance to grow, meet friends, and achieve things I always dreamed of. Knowing that every donut sold helps more athletes join Special Olympics community sport programs is so exciting. Thank you for believing in us!” 

Between her passion for sport and her unwavering dedication to advocacy, Julia Romualdi is a shining example of how Special Olympics transforms lives—both for those who participate and for the inclusive communities they inspire. “Special Olympics has given me so much,” Julia reflects. “Now, I just want to give back and help others find their voice.”

Share that you #ChooseToInclude on Social Media

Post a photo to social media of yourself, your friends, family, colleagues or teammates enjoying your Special Olympics Donut on social media tagging @TimHortons, @SpecialOCanada and your local Chapter!

Example Caption:

Everyone should have the chance to experience the joy of sport. This January 31st -February 2nd, I am joining the support for @SpecialOCanada by purchasing the Special Olympics Donut at @TimHortons.100%of the proceeds will help athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in Special Olympics daily community sport programs. #ChooseToInclude. I just purchased a Special Olympics Donut at @TimHortons! 100% of proceeds go to support @SpecialOCanada and more than 42,000 athletes across Canada with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Post your own photo or share a social media graphic:

Join our Movement

Special Olympics is about more than sport—it’s a community where athletes thrive, volunteers make a difference, and donors help create life-changing opportunities. Whether you’re an athlete looking to join a team, a volunteer ready to give your time, or a donor eager to support inclusion, there’s a place for you in our Special Olympics family.