Tim Hortons pulls out of sponsorship of U.S. anti-gay marriage rally

Recently, Tim Hortons was approached in Rhode Island to provide free coffee and products for Rhode Island's first "Marriage Day Celebration," hosted by the U.S. National Organisation for Marriage, 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 organiser 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 apologise for any misunderstanding or inconvenience this may have caused.