Throughout May more than 46,000 used tires were collected across Ontario as part of the fifth annual Tire Take Back event. Organized by the Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) and Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA), this year’s event raised more than $90,000 for The Sunshine Foundation of Canada.

“We’re thrilled that Ontarians continue to show such enthusiasm around the Tire Take Back program,” said Andrew Horsman, executive director of OTS. “As tire recycling awareness grows, Ontarians have become very engaged in terms of driving sustainability in the province. Everyone plays a role in keeping tires out of landfills, and recycling tires means they can be turned into new high quality recycled tire products for gardens, playgrounds, and patios.”

Earlier in the year the OTS celebrated the milestone of 60 million tires recycled in the province.

Additionally, as part of the Tire Take Back event, the OARA awarded $15,000 to the OARA member that collected the most tires. A & L Auto Recyclers in Comber collected more than 13,000, the most of any OARA member location. The company will receive the funds to be put toward recycled tire products for use in the community.

“We’re very proud of our 60 participating OARA members for their commitment to helping The Sunshine Foundation of Canada,” said Steve Fletcher, executive director of OARA. “Tire Take Back helps a child fulfill lifelong dreams, encourages Ontarians to recycle their tires, and enables a community to create a greener space. These are the reasons so many our members are eager to participate year over year.”

The Sunshine Foundation is a national Canadian charity to helps children with severe physical disabilities of life-threatening illnesses by making their dreams come true. For more information about the organization, visit www.sunshine.ca.