Winter 2024 Comfort Food
COMFORT FOOD | Newsletter
Client Story
Fredrick
As unprecedented demand continues, the Calgary Food Bank is still providing up to 700 hampers each day; approximately 10,000 people each week receive food support. It is rare to find a person who is comfortable sharing their experience having to access the Calgary Food Bank. Late in 2023 a kind comment was shared on-line and as a result, the Calgary Food bank reached out to the author to see if they’d like to share the story of a client who generously gave his time and permission to tell the CBC Calgary Eyeopener host Loren McGuiness, and CBC listeners about the Calgary Food Bank.
Fredrick, his wife Pamilia and their children immigrated from Ghana, via Germany. He has a Ph.D. in Public Health and was hired to do a research project by the University of Calgary. They did their due diligence understanding the costs associated with living in our country. However, they were shocked by the difference in the cost of living here, compared to Ghana and Germany, AND what they were led to believe by Canadian officials.
Please click on the link to be inspired by the story of a Calgary Food Bank client
Partners In Action
Although the holiday season is now far behind us, and despite difficult times for many, the Calgary Community stepped-up in a big way.
Over the holiday season over 180 3rd party fundraisers took place supporting the Calgary Food Bank. From light displays, Christmas parties, office food drives and holiday events, many Calgarians gave food and funds.
Mayor’s Annual Christmas Food Drive
For 35 years, Calgary’s Mayors, together with community members and constituents, raise food and funds in December. Schools, community associations, city departments, Calgary Motor Dealers, businesses, individuals and most recently councilors and their wards have worked hard to raise food and funds. This year, the mayor’s food drive, including the councilor’s challenge brought in $546,137.56!
CBC
Many thanks to CBC Calgary for 38 years of raising food and funds for the Calgary Food Bank through their annual campaign, highlighted by Blitz Day. Enjoy this beautiful recap of the amazing work done to help fight hunger in our city:
Annual Report
The 2022/2023 Annual Report features important information on how the Calgary Food Bank fared during difficult economic times with rising inflation and high cost of living. Audited financial statements, fast facts and inspiring stories of connecting to the community are all featured here.
Volunteer Spotlight
Last month a few hundred volunteers gathered at Telus Spark Science Centre. Volunteers make up for 40% of the Calgary Food Bank warehouse workforce, so their dedication is crucial to fighting hunger. A big thank you to those who celebrated 5, 10, 15 and 20 year milestones. To those who are just beginning to volunteer, the Calgary Food Bank is delighted to have you join us as we envision a hunger-free community.
A Word From Our CEO
What a wild ride the past year has been! I have been hit with a tsunami of information and experiences that has left me wide-eyed.
My greatest learning of all this year? Our city is amazing! This community is even more generous than my wildest expectations. We are all in this together, and over the past year, I have watched Calgary rise to the occasion like never before. Our unprecedented demand has been matched with unprecedented generosity. It is incredible to see so many people lending a hand with time, talent, and treasure.
Thanks to our awesome volunteers, community partners and donors, we are not relenting in our battle against hunger and its root causes.
Want to know more? Take a few minutes to dive into our 2022/2023 Annual Report – it’s like a treasure trove of fantastic info and impact stories. Trust me, it’s a must-read!
Coming Soon
The 22nd annual Vehicles & Violins Gala will be hosted Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 at the BMO Centre. Starting at 5:30 pm attendees will be treated to an exclusive preview of the 2024 Auto Show, accompanied by live entertainment played by musicians from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, international cuisine and complimentary drink tickets. There will be various auctions and raffles raising money to benefit the Calgary Food Bank. The Vehicles & Violins Gala is an 18+ event. To order tickets please call 403-974-0707 or and download the ticket order form.
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Serving Our Youngest Clients
In 2022 the Calgary Food Bank distributed over 141,000 diapers to 4,700 families through our Emergency Hamper Program.