By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Christmas Hope agencies receive $10,000 donation from local Tim Hortons

Dec 12, 2017 | 2:49 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Thanks to Dave Hughes and Siobhan Donaghy, the owners of five local Tim Hortons restaurants in Lethbridge, the agencies involved in the Christmas Hope campaign will be splitting a $10,000 donation to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

Representatives from the Lethbridge Food Bank, the Interfaith Food Bank and the Salvation army were on hand for a cheque presentation on Tuesday afternoon at the Tim Hortons location on Mayor Magrath Drive S.

Donaghy says they’re blessed to have this opportunity to give back to a community that’s so supportive.

“Let’s face it, we know there’s a great need particularly at Christmas time to help feed those less fortunate than us,” Donaghy continued. “We appreciate the community we live in, we appreciate the support the community gives our businesses and it’s just a really nice way for our organization and our staff to say thank you.”

When asked why she chose these organizations, Donaghy says it’s something they’ve done for a number of years.

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“I think they’re kind of relying on us to come through for them especially at this time of year. We do support many other organizations in the city throughout the year. We do our Smile Cookie initiative with other franchisees in town in support of the Chinook Regional Hospital, and we also make smaller donations to area schools to help out as well,” Donaghy said, adding they have a budget set out every month for donating that they often exceed.

The local agencies involved say they’re thrilled to receive this kind of support, which will go towards those who need it most because there’s an increased need for food and toys for Christmas.

Maral Kiani Tari, Executive Director with the Lethbridge Food Bank, says they’re thankful for Tim Hortons donating yearly to the three agencies involved with the Christmas Hope campaign.

“The Christmas season can be an expensive time for our families, and we’re here to help alleviate some of those expenses to make sure families can enjoy Christmas with one another. With this donation we’re not only able to fund the Christmas hampers that will be given out this month, we’ll also be able to use some of it for the needs we have in January as well,” Kiani-Tari said.

Christmas hampers cost about $120-150 each, so this donation will go a long way in taking care of the need the food bank has according to Kiani-Tari.

“These hampers are a little more than our regular ones, because we add Christmas dinner made up of turkey, ham, and chicken, etc.,” she continued. “The donation will be split up between the three agencies, so each of us will have the opportunity to help more people.”

The three agencies will provide hampers and toys for 1,800 households this year, serving 2,300 adults and 2,000 children.

It’s never too late to give, and all of those involved challenged other members of the business communities in Lethbridge to get involved. 

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