Feeding the Possibility of a Calgary Without Hunger

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2014) - The CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive, one of the Calgary Food Bank's largest food and fundraising campaigns, launched today in an effort to create a hunger-free community.

Calgary Food Bank CEO, James McAra, emphasizes the importance of the 29^th annual holiday season food drive. "The donations we receive will help us meet a demand that is 75% higher in the month of December. Calgarians know the value of helping their neighbours, especially in times of crisis from either lay-offs, illness to replacing food lost due to fridge power losses during September's snowstorm or downtown electrical fire."

"We know that for those who are challenged financially, even a slight change in expenses such as an increase in heating costs in the winter can have an immediate and serious impact on an already stretched budget. Then the added pressure of knowing there isn't enough money for Christmas can take quite a toll," said Al Thorgeirson, Managing Director for CBC Calgary.

Since its inception, the CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive has raised more than $13 million. To kick-off the campaign, Suncor Energy donated $50,000 towards the million dollar goal. "The donations collected through this campaign not only help to make the holidays a little brighter, they also provide support to those struggling with hunger throughout the year," said Cathy Glover, director, community investment, Suncor. "We encourage Calgarians to help those in need by making a donation to the Calgary Food Bank. Together we can help create a Calgary without hunger."

CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive events will be held around the city from December 2 to December 24. For more information, visit www.calgaryfoodbank.com.

Opportunities to donate are also available at:

• www.calgaryfoodbank.com/feedyyc
• www.cbc.ca/calgary
• The CBC Calgary Broadcast Centre (1724 Westmount Blvd NW)
• The Calgary Food Bank (5000-11 St SE)
• The Suncor Energy Centre donation desk (150-6 Ave SW ) (to Dec 20)

@CalgaryFoodBank

@CBCCalgary

@Suncorenergy

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This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwired.