Instead of collecting dust in the garage, old tires can go toward putting smiles on kids’ faces.
A provincewide campaign is turning recycled tires into a fundraising initiative benefiting children’s charity The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.
For Tire Take Back, from May 26 to 31, local businesses will donate fees from used tire drop-offs to the organization, which deals in dreams-come-true for children with life-threatening illnesses or severe physical disabilities.
The Sunshine Foundation arranges experiences such as trips to Disney World, meetings with star athletes and deliveries of custom-made gifts such as adaptive bicycles.
Standard Auto Wreckers in Ottawa South is participating in this year’s initiative, which is led by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association and Ontario Tire Stewardship.
Tires from passenger vehicles, light trucks and agricultural vehicles will be accepted as part of the campaign.
Last year, more than 58,000 tires were dropped off across the province and more than $175,000 was raised, $32,000 of that by people in the Ottawa area.
Sonshine Auto Parts in Cumberland collected more than 12,000 tires, the most in the province, said spokesperson Pira Pathmanathan.
This year’s campaign includes a $15,000 prize for the collection site that brings in the most tires to be used for recycled tire products for a local, non-profit project.
Tires can be dropped off at Standard Auto Wreckers, 5402 Richmond Rd., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, or 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays.