In 2013, Darrell Pitman, owner of P & G Auto, volunteered on a Sunshine Foundation Dreamlift.
The Sunshine Foundation of Canada helps make dreams come true for children living with severe physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses.
That morning a plane full of excited youngsters left Toronto for a quick one day trip to Disney World with Pitman on board. He still keeps in touch with one of the Sunshine children he helped on that trip.
"For most of them, it's their first time away from their parents. It was an amazing experience," said Pitman. "Some of the problems we think are big, are nothing compared to what they're going through, and they get so much out of that small trip to Florida."
The Sunshine Foundation is a charitable organization that relies heavily on donations. This is the eighth year for the 'OARA Tire Take Back' fundraising initiative. For the past few weeks, the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association along with Ontario Tire Stewardship, encouraged people to drop off their used tires free of charge, at participating locations. Pitman said for each tired dropped off, OTS donates one dollar to the Sunshine Foundation.
"We put them in a pile and then they're picked up by one of the tire haulers." Pitman pointed out the tires are all recycled. "Mulch for your garden is made from scrap tires now, they make some kind of shingles, rubber mats, stuff like that."
Pitman said 10 years ago the tires would be piled up, and when it rained, the standing water would become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Back then when enough tires were collected, they would be disposed of at the landfill.
Jeff Serran's family has been dropping off old tires off at P & G, taking advantage of the fundraiser for years. Serran likes that it benefits both children and the environment.
"Not only are you making a difference for the people that need the services, but it's helping protect our environment so it's here for future generations," said Serran.
Friday was the last day to drop off tires. At the end of each campaign P & G holds a community fundraising barbecue. Pitman expects to donate roughly $4,000 from this year's event. Over the years his business has diverted nearly 4,500 tires from the landfill while managing to raise close to $9,400 for the Sunshine Foundation.
