Ontarians have a lot of used tires kicking about. At least they used to.

Between May 27 and June 1, 2013, more than 58,000 used tires were dropped off at 60 locations as part of the Tire Take Back event from Ontario Tire Stewardship and the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association.

The event was to raise money for The Sunshine Foundation, an organization working with children with physical disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. This year, the tire take back program raised more than $175,000, almost double the $100,000 raised in 2012.

"Every year, Ontarians are raising the bar for tire recycling and the Tire Take Back program, and we couldn't achieve this kind of positive year-over-year program success without the support of Ontarians," Andrew Horsman, executive director of Ontario Tire Stewardship said in a written statement.

Steve Fletcher, executive director of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association thanked the 60 OARA members who participated in the drive and the friendly competition among them which led to so many tires being brought back for proper disposal.

“Leading the province-wide community challenge with more than 12,000 tires collected, we're pleased to announce that Sonshine Auto Parts and the Cumberland community will be receiving the Community Challenge prize of innovative recycled tire products to create a greener space in their neighbourhood."

Heard: Tire take back program

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