Plymouth Whalers lend a hand to help Tim Horton's 'Camp Day' cause

BY ED WRIGHT
June 4, 2010, 3:15 p.m.

  Plymouth Whalers Stefan Noesen, Scott Wedgewood and Max Iafrate love the tasty selection of foods on Tim Horton's expansive menu.

  "I think I've sampled everything at least once today," quipped Wedgewood, smiling.

  But it wasn't their stomachs that brought the trio of Whalers to the Tim Horton's location on Ford Rd. (just west of I-275) Wednesday afternoon.

  It was their hearts.

  In addition to several of their teammates who were stationed at other Plymouth and Canton Tim Horton's franchises, Noesen, Wedgewood and Iafrate were make two-hour appearances at Tim Horton's metro-Detroit stores to promote the restaurant's annual Camp Day fundraiser, which raised $8 million for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation.

  Campers aged nine to 12 years old attend a 10-day summer camp session on a seven-day winter camp session, at one of the Foundation's six camps in Canada and the United State.

  Every penny from coffee sales at Tim Horton's stores across Canada and the United States will be donated to the foundation.

  "It's such a great cause and we're more than happy to help," said Noesen. "We'll interact with the people who come into the store and talk to them about the program."

  "This is my first time doing something like this, but I'm enjoying it," said Iafrate, a Livonia native who was the Whalers' top pick in last month's Ontario Hockey League Draft."

  The players said this event will be one of several they'll participate in during the off-season before they head home for a few weeks.

  "We have some kids camps coming up and learn-to-skate programs," said Wedgewood. "Then we'll go home and start training for next season."

  “I think every hockey family I know – in fact, everyone involved in the game of hockey supports Tim Hortons,” said Denise Ronayne, Plymouth Whalers Director of Sales and Marketing.  “They are an amazing partner who constantly gives back to the community and actively supports local youth hockey programs. We are proud to get our Whalers players into their stores on Camp Day and we encourage our fans to visit those locations and buy a cup of coffee…or two!.”

“The support that we receive from Tim Hortons customers every year is overwhelming,” says Bill Moir, President, Tim Horton Children’s Foundation.  “They’re helping make a huge difference in the life of so many children. For many, a camp experience is their first time away from home and it’s life changing. Shy kids become confident, scared kids become brave. The experience inspires them for years to come.”