Over $175,000 raised in Ontario tire recycling blitz

Scrap tires are transforming communities across the province and fulfilling the dreams of children within The Sunshine Foundation of Canada’s network. Between May 27 and June 1, 2013, Ontarians dropped off 58,371 used tires at 60 locations across the province, as part of the “Tire Take Back” blitz organized by Ontario Tire Stewardship OTS and the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA). This event raised more than $175,000 for The Sunshine Foundation – almost doubling this year’s goal to raise $100,000 for the national charity.

The six-day community recycling events helped divert tires from landfills, while raising money to help children with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses fulfill their dreams. OARA contributed $50,000 to the donation to match the collection allowance that OARA members donated for each tire dropped off. The final donation to The Sunshine Foundation was further enhanced by donations from OTS and registered tire haulers.

"Every year, Ontarians are raising the bar for tire recycling and the “Tire Take Back” program, and we couldn’t achieve this kind of positive year-over-year program success without the support of Ontarians," said Andrew Horsman, executive director, Ontario Tire Stewardship.  "There’s a strong sense of community across the province. This year’s tremendous collection results from the Tire Take Back events reflect Ontarians’ growing desire to create greener, more livable communities with innovative recycled tire products, which are increasingly being used in our homes, local recreational facilities, parks and playgrounds."

This year, OARA member, Sonshine Auto Parts in Cumberland, Ontario collected more than 12,000 used tires – the highest collection number out of all participating OARA member locations. As a result, Sonshine Auto Parts will be awarded with up to $15,000 worth of eco-friendly recycled tire products to be used toward the revitalization of a community facility or public space, which is to be determined later this summer.

An official cheque presentation ceremony for The Sunshine Foundation of Canada was held at Sonshine Auto Parts in Cumberland, Ont. 

"We want to recognize and thank each of our 60 participating OARA members for their commitment to recycling tires for the Tire Take Back community initiative, in addition to the end-of-life vehicles they recycle each year," said Steve Fletcher, executive director of OARA. "There was some friendly competition among our members and communities, not only to raise funds to fulfill dreams for Sunshine Foundation children, but to win the chance to sustainably enhance a local space. Leading the province-wide community challenge with more than 12,000 tires collected, we’re pleased to announce that Sonshine Auto Parts and the Cumberland community will be receiving the Community Challenge prize of innovative recycled tire products to create a greener space in their neighbourhood."

OTS manages how the approximately 12 million tires sold in Ontario every year are handled once they reach the end of their service life, diverting them from burning facilities and landfills. With the support of Ontarians, OTS reached a new milestone earlier this year with the diversion of its 50 millionth tire since its inception in 2009.

Through the Used Tires Program, Ontarians can drop off up to four used tires each for free at thousands of registered collection locations around the province, and the tires collected will be reused or recycled into new, environmentally friendly and durable consumer products such as rubber mulch, landscape tiles, recreational flooring and roof shingles.

www.RethinkTires.ca

Photo: Denis Desjardins, Sonshine Auto Parts; Andrew Horsman, Ontario Tire Stewardship; Kristen Lesko; The Sunshine Foundation of Canada and Steve Fletcher, Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association.