Treasuring trash

One person’s garbage is another person’s treasure.

The old adage was proving true on Friday morning, as dozens and of people rolled into Thunder Bay Auto parts, their trunks and truck beds overflowing with used tires that ordinarily might be destined for the landfill.

Instead they will be used to help children’s dreams come true.

Tire Take Back Day is an annual event, and manager Lisa Sticca said proceeds from the Ontario-wide event are being donated to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada, which funds wishes for children with severe physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses.

“All the fees that are associated with the tires are going to be matched by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association, and all those monies collected will be donated to the Sunshine Foundation of Canada,” Sticca said, Friday, a steady stream of tires being delivered throughout the day.

In fact, the response was so great at times her staff were overwhelmed, piling tires and slowly packing them tightly into a truck that holds up to 1,000.

It was rapidly filling up as the lunch hour neared.

“Last year we collected 294 tires, so we had a goal set of 600. We have more than surpassed by far. We’ve had truckloads, dump truck loads. It’s just amazing. We are so happy with the participation and turnout by the community of Thunder Bay,” she said.

The tires, which can be dropped off during the day on Saturday at their 520 Squier Street location, will be shipped to a tire recycling facility in southern Ontario and turned into new products.