Tim Hortons has apologized after the manager of a Vancouver location was seen pouring a bucket of water on a homeless man sitting out front of the restaurant late last week.
In a statement to CTV News on Sunday, the company said the manager’s actions were “regretful,” and happened “in a moment of frustration."
“On behalf of Tim Hortons we sincerely apologize,” the statement said. It added that the occurrence was “not at all reflective of our brand and restaurant owner values.”
The company also said the owner planned on personally making amends with the victim, as well as making a donation to a local shelter.
The company issued the apology after a local resident called for a boycott of the Vancouver-area restaurant.
Arianne Nicole Summach posted about the incident Friday on Facebook.
"The owner of Tim Hortons on Robson and Richards, literally just dumped a very large bucket of water all over a homeless man (and all his worldly belongings, cardboard bed included), for sitting out front of the shop," she wrote.
"He was sleeping when it happened. I can't believe how disgusting some people are! Please share."
Summach told CTV Vancouver that her teacher was in shock after witnessing the incident.
By Sunday afternoon, the post had been shared more than 2,600 times on Facebook.
After the incident, Summach had tweeted at the company, alerting them to what she saw. The company replied to her, asking her to message them with more information.
A homeless couple who frequent the same Tim Hortons location paint a different picture of the manager and staff, saying they're always helpful and respectful.
They told CTV Vancouver that the staff, including the manager, regularly give them food, clothes and emotional support.
"They give us the strength that I can't say very many people in society do, considering our situation," said Amanda Germann.
Summach says the incident should never have happened.
"There's just always another way," she said. "This guy was sleeping at the time."
The manager of the Tim Hortons could not be reached on Sunday.
With files from CTV Vancouver's Alex Turner
