ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwire - Sept. 11, 2012) -

Editors Note: A photo for this release is available via Marketwire on the picture wire of The Canadian Press.

Today, Tim Hortons celebrated a special Canadian, by hosting a meeting between Elijah Porter of Paradise, Newfoundland and members of the Canadian men's 4x100 Olympic relay team at a Tim Hortons location in St. John's.

Feelings of disappointment were softened for the Canadian men's 4x100 Olympic relay team when they read 10-year-old Elijah Porter's note of encouragement, following their disqualification at the London 2012 Games. Elijah famously sent the Olympic relay team his Tim Hortons Timbits soccer medal along with a letter he had hoped would "touch their hearts."

Members of the team, including Jared Connaughton, Justyn Warner, Oluseyi Smith and Gavin Smellie met Elijah in person to say thank-you to Elijah, and express what it meant to receive his letter. Athletics Canada also donated a signed Olympic singlet to Tim Hortons that will be auctioned off to raise money for Tim Hortons Children's Foundation, dedicated to sending children who are from economically disadvantaged homes to camp.

About Tim Hortons:

Tim Hortons is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, espresso-based hot and cold specialty drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots, specialty teas, fruit smoothies, home-style soups, fresh Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including our trademark donuts. As of July 1st, 2012, Tim Hortons had 4,071 systemwide restaurants, including 3,326 in Canada, 734 in the United States and 11 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.