Tim Hortons celebrates inclusion for Special Olympics’ 50th anniversary

Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics Alberta athlete Savannah Lussier enjoying the limited-edition Special Olympics doughnut

A proud partner of Special Olympics CanadaTim Hortons has joined in on the celebration of 50 years of Special Olympics by announcing a limited-edition Special Olympics doughnut, designed by Special Olympics Alberta athlete Savannah Lussier.

This doughnut will be available nationwide on July 21, with all proceeds going to life-changing Special Olympics programs across the country.

Working closely with Tim Hortons, 14-year-old Lussier created the doughnut using her favourite flavours: a delicious honey cruller dipped in chocolate fondant, topped with red and white sprinkles – which are the colours of Special Olympics.

"Sport has let me meet so many of my friends and I was so excited to make this doughnut to celebrate," said Lussier. "Making the doughnut was so much fun and I can't wait to see people enjoying it together with their friends and families."

Tim Hortons has been a partner of Special Olympics Canada since 2016, as the Lead Corporate Sponsor of the Special Olympics Canada Active Start program (ages two to six) and FUNdamentals program (ages six to 12). Through these programs, Tim Hortons hopes to share a unified message of #ChooseToInclude with the more than 45,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities currently participating in Special Olympics programs across the country.

"Tim Hortons is proud of the role we've played in Canadian communities for over 50 years and is thrilled to work with Special Olympics Canada, an organization that shares our value of inclusion," said Sami Siddiqui, President, Tim Hortons Canada. "Together we hope to inspire our guests to see the power of inclusion through sport, and create communities where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability." 

On July 21, guests can purchase a Special Olympics doughnut for $1.59 plus tax. All proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics programs across Canada.

"In addition to their ongoing support for our young athlete sport programs, Tim Hortons is helping us lead the way on Global Day of Inclusion, celebrating our collective passion for the power of sport to create inclusive communities," said Special Olympics Canada CEO Sharon Bollenbach. "We challenge all Canadians to demonstrate their passion for inclusion by visiting their local Tim Hortons on July 21 and purchasing a Special Olympics doughnut."

Share your support on social media with hashtags #ChooseToInclude and #ChallengeAcceptedSOC, tagging @specialolympicsbc on Facebook and Instagram, @sobcsociety on Twitter, and @SpecialOCanada and @TimHortons on all platforms.

About Tim Hortons®

Tim Hortons®, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America's largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. Tim Hortons has more than 4,700 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and around the world. More information about the company is available at www.timhortons.com.

About Special Olympics Canada

The Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 45,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 21,000 volunteers, including more than 16,000 trained coaches. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @SpecialOCanada.