The Tim Hortons Camp Day fundraiser last Wednesday, held at Tim Hortons stores across the country, raised $9 million, the company says.

Last year, the fundraiser generated $8.3 million.

Each year on Camp Day, money raised at stores goes to The Tim Horton Children's Foundation, which oversees a summer camp program for youth from economically challenged homes.

The foundation was started in 1974 by the chain's co-founder, Ron Joyce, to honour Tim Horton's love of children and his desire to help the less fortunate.

The foundation bills itself as a non-profit, charitable organization committed to providing a fun-filled camp environment for children from economically disadvantaged homes.

This year, area children will attend a Tim Hortons camp in Quebec for 10 days.

Since 1974 more than 108,000 children have benefited from a camp experience and that this year more than 13,000 children will attend one of six camps.

The camps are situated in Tatamagouche, N.S.; Kananaskis, Alta.; Quyon, Que.; Campbellsville, Ky.; St. George, Ont.; and Parry Sound, Ont.