Quick Intro
Kal Tire started right here in Vernon in 1953 when Tom Foord opened a single tire shop and named it after Kalamalka Lake. More than 70 years later, that hometown shop has grown to become one of Canada’s largest independent tire dealers, with over 280 stores coast to coast — and it’s still proudly headquartered in Vernon. Today, Kal Tire is a proud gold sponsor of the ACE Hoops U16 Boys team.
Every ACE Hoops U16 Boys game represents more than just basketball — it represents Vernon businesses investing in Vernon youth.
Kal Tire’s sponsorship of our U16 Boys team continues a long tradition of community support that began when Tom Foord first opened his doors seven decades ago.
The Kal Tire Story: From Vernon to National Success
On June 12, 1953, Tom Foord looked out the window of his Vernon gas station and had a simple thought: “Everything runs on rubber.” That observation launched what would become Kal Tire, named after our famous Kalamalka Lake — the “Lake of Many Colours.”
Tom Foord was born in Saskatchewan in 1922 and met his wife Norah while both were serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. They chose Vernon as their home in 1944, and nine years later, Tom and partner Jim Lochhead opened their tire business to service passenger vehicles and commercial logging operations in the Okanagan Valley.
Today, Kal Tire employs more than 6,500 team members across Canada and internationally. Despite this tremendous growth, the company remains family-owned with Robert Foord, Tom’s son, serving as president. Most importantly for Vernon, the corporate headquarters has never left our city.
Community Commitment: The Tom Foord Legacy
Tom Foord’s commitment to Vernon went far beyond business success. In a 2007 interview, he stated: “Vernon has always had a special place in my heart. The least I can do is pay it back for some of the things the community did for me.”
His contributions to Vernon include:
- Founding The People Place Society and donating the land for this building that now houses many North Okanagan community organizations
- Supporting the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation
- Contributing to the North Okanagan Hospice Society and United Way
- Supporting the North Okanagan Neurological Association’s child development centre
Vernon recognized Tom Foord’s contributions with numerous honors including Freedom of the City (2007), the Order of British Columbia (2000), and honorary doctorates from Okanagan College and Royal Roads University. He was also inducted into both the Tire Industry Hall of Fame and the Western Canadian Tire Dealers Association Hall of Fame.
Tom Foord passed away on April 12, 2012, at age 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of business success combined with deep community commitment.
1953
Year Kal Tire was founded in Vernon
280+
Stores across Canada, still headquartered in Vernon
6,500+
Team members employed across Canada
Continuing the Tradition: Supporting Youth Sports
Today’s Kal Tire continues the community support tradition established by Tom Foord. As Robert Foord has stated: “Supporting communities where our team members live, work and play is part of our culture.”
Kal Tire’s sports partnerships have included the Canadian Football League, Western Hockey League, and Cross Country BC. Their sponsorship of ACE Hoops U16 Boys represents their ongoing commitment to supporting youth athletics in Vernon.
As a gold sponsor, Kal Tire helps make competitive basketball accessible for Vernon families. Their support helps cover essential program costs including tournament fees, travel expenses, equipment, and facility rentals.
How to Support Kal Tire
When it’s time for new tires, your seasonal swap, or service you can trust, choose your local Vernon Kal Tire. Shop local, shop the original, and keep Vernon rolling.
Vernon Store Locations:
• 5451 Anderson Way – (250) 542-1156
• 1460 Kalamalka Lake Rd – (250) 545-2729
Services: Tires, seasonal changeovers, wheel alignments, brake service, and more
Visit www.kaltire.com to learn more and find store hours.
Supporting Those Who Support Us
Kal Tire’s gold sponsorship of ACE Hoops U16 Boys demonstrates how local businesses can make a real difference in youth sports. Their support helps ensure that talented young athletes have opportunities to develop their skills, build character, and represent Vernon in competitive basketball.
Every time you choose Kal Tire for your vehicle needs, you’re supporting a business that gives back to our community. From tire services to seasonal changeovers, your patronage helps sustain their ability to sponsor youth programs like ACE Hoops.
Support Our Sponsor — Shop Local
When Vernon families support Kal Tire, they support ACE Hoops. Visit Vernon’s original tire shop for honest advice and dependable service from a team that knows this valley.
Thank you to Kal Tire for being a proud gold sponsor of ACE Hoops U16 Boys. Your 71-year commitment to Vernon continues to drive our community forward.