BZ to Hillier (en francais)

Congratulations to General Hillier for keeping this issue front and centre. To be honest, it's not just Tim Hortons, but the CFPSA and Canex organization that must get it's act together and make this happen.

General ready to take Tim Hortons boss to Afghanistan for coffee

Canadian Press
Published: Friday, February 24, 2006

OTTAWA (CP) - The country's top soldier is prepared to personally escort the boss of Tim Hortons to visit Canadian troops in Afghanistan if it will help get a Tim's running over there.

Gen. Rick Hillier says his soldiers in Kandahar keep pestering him about when they might see one of the iconic coffee shops open.

Soldiers' fondness for the chain's coffee and pastries is legendary.

American troops in Afghanistan have access to fast food from Pizza Hut and Burger King, but the Canadians can't get fresh Timbits.

Hillier says it would be a big morale-booster to have a coffee shop in Kandahar.

"I invite the CEO of Tim Hortons to come with me to Afghanistan and see the powerful implications that would come from that."

The company said in a statement that it's working with the Forces on having its products available in Afghanistan.

"We are excited about the possibility, and have a great relationship with the Forces," the statement said.

"We understand how our service personnel feel about their Tim's and we, with the Canadian Forces, are seeing what we can do to bring a little taste of home to those serving overseas."