Jonathon Liedtke – ourWindsor.ca – June 7, 2013
While it’s safe to say that almost every day in Canada is “National Donut Day”, our friends to the south of the border have us beat when it comes to ‘official’ recognition.
Across the USA on June 7th, Americans gorge on delicious donuts to celebrate what is collectively referred to as “National Donut Day”.
Even though it is referred to as a national holiday, and while the vast majority of the country seemingly takes part in the ‘festivities’, the federal government of the United States has yet to confer official holiday status upon the day commemorating the baked treats.
In 1938, the Chicago Salvation Army began National Donut Day as a fundraiser to serve a twofold purpose: first, to help the needy who were suffering during the Great Depression, and second, to honour The Salvation Army “Lassies” who had served donuts to soldiers during World War I.
In fact, during World War Two, Red Cross Volunteers distributed donuts to soldiers and it became common to refer to Red Cross girls as “Donut Dollies.”
Today, the practice is so widespread that there are three other donut related ‘holidays’ which take place during the year in the United States: International Jelly-Filled Donut Day, June 8; National Cream-Filled Donut Day, September 14; and Buy a Donut Day, October 30.
Unfortunately in Canada, Tim Horton’s didn’t celebrate the day by giving away free donuts like their American counterpart, Krispy Kreme. In fact, Krispy Kreme was so enthusiastic about celebrating the day that they gave away free donuts to both their American and Canadian customers.
Some Canucks are bewildered that Canada doesn’t celebrate National Donut Day.
“I just don’t understand why we don’t celebrate National Donut Day in Canada,” exclaimed Jessica Friedman at the downtown Windsor Tim Horton’s. “It’s Canada’s identity, the donut! Everyone who visits the country asks what Tim Horton’s is, and then when they find out, they see it on every corner and think all Canadians love donuts … they’re right!”
Similarly, Tina Landry echoed a similar sentiment while purchasing donuts from Tim Horton’s.
“Canadians grow up on donuts, it’s time we celebrate that!” said Landry, adding, “It’s almost insulting that we don’t.”
Not all shared the belief that the day was warranted however.
“Sure I like donuts and I really enjoy Tim Horton’s, but there’s absolutely no reason for the pastry to merit a holiday of its own,” expressed an older gentleman who said his name was Mr. Thomas. “What’s next, do we start to celebrate National Beaver Tail Day?”
National donut day celebrated across US; Canadian reactions
Jonathon Liedtke is the Features & Opinion Editor for the University of Windsor Lance Campus/Community Newspaper and a reporter for ourWindsor.ca. As a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee, he is committed to representing, connecting, engaging with and advocating for local youth. He is also a member of Windsor’s “Punk with Horns” band The Nefidovs, and as such, is committed to enhancing and sustaining the arts community.
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