Revised 2 p.m. Aug. 10:
Tim Hortons has issued the following statement:
Recently, Tim Hortons was approached in Rhode Island to provide free coffee and products for a local event, as we do thousands of times a year across Canada and the United States.
For 45 years, Tim Hortons and its store owners have practiced a philosophy of giving back to the communities in which we operate. As a company, our primary focus is on helping children and supporting fundraising events for non-profit organizations and registered charities.
For this reason, Tim Hortons has not sponsored those representing religious groups, political affiliates or lobby groups.
It has come to our attention that the Rhode Island event organizer and purpose of the event fall outside of our sponsorship guidelines. As such, Tim Hortons can not provide support at the event.
Tim Hortons and its store owners have always welcomed all families and communities to its restaurants and will continue to do so. We apologize for any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused.
Please thank Tim Hortons graciously for its statement — but politely ask them to clarify whether any local store owners will provide support to the antigay rally.
so according to TWO tim hortons has no business
supporting a fundraiser for NOM? I’m sure that
TWO would have no problem with tim hortons
supporting a fundraiser for a group supporting
marriage equality would you? once again your
hypocracy is stunning!
No, Brad, I approve of corporations staying out of hot political debates and allowing courts, legislators, and voters to resolve disagreements.
But if a corporation is going to meddle, I prefer that it support freedom and equality for all, and not special rights for the privileged.
I agree, Michael. If a corporation feels it needs to be involved, better it be on the side of freedom and equality.
Brad, don’t worry about good ol’ Maggie. She still has plenty of support. She and her ilk can pay for their own bash.
[...] Tim Hortons and Blount Fine Foods were misled about the full purpose of NOM’s antigay rally in Warwick, R.I. on Aug. 16. When the companies were contacted by thousands of alarmed consumers, the companies revoked their sponsorships. [...]