CBC Calgary breaks own record in raising more than $1.9 million for the Calgary Food Bank

Cheers filled CBC Calgary's office lobby Thursday as donations surpassed $1.9 million in support of the Calgary Food Bank.

This is the 38th year CBC Calgary has supported the food bank. So far this year, $1,934,745.65has been raised.

Helen Henderson, CBC Calgary's senior director of journalism and programming, praised Calgarians for their kindness on Blitz Day.

"The generosity of Calgarians just blew us away today," she said.

"Every year we know we can count on them to help each other at this time of year. But to raise over $1.5 million dollars on this day alone, and to set a record total, with a week to go in the campaign, that's next-level Calgary kindness."

Blitz Day is a tradition for CBC Calgary, during which readers, listeners and viewers were invited down to the station for a full day of special programming, live music and studio tours.

• Donate to the Calgary Food Bank as part of the Make the Season Kind campaign.
• Make the Season Kind: Auctions, contests and coffee sales.

Calgary Food Bank president and CEOMelissa Fromsaysthey've seen an increase in demand for their services, but people have stepped up.

"The glass-half-full side of this is that we have been able to meet the demand. We were able to clear that backlog. We're able to feed the folks who are coming to us because of the generosity of Calgarians," she said.

On Blitz Day,Calgarians hadthe chance to meet the hosts of our radio programs, the Calgary Eyeopener, provincial show Alberta at Noon and The Homestretch.

WATCH | Justine Giles performs Thursday on Alberta at Noon:

Justine Giles sings Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

10 months ago

Duration 0:42

On Alberta at Noon Albertans shared stories about acts of kindness, and Calgary singer-songwriter Justine Giles performed.

Pat Tarr has been coming to donate to Make the Season Kind for more than 20 years.

"It's part of the Christmas routine," she said.

Angela Rietherand her son, Finn Riether Rasporich, donated money from Finn's piggy bank.

"And we always take a little portion out to donate to the food bank," Riether said.

Dan Brownsberger, community development manager at Sponsor Energy, also came out Thursday morning to donate to the food bank on behalf of the company.

"It's just so invigorating to see all these people and the songs, and the Christmas spirit is here for sure," he said.

The host of The Homestretch, Chris dela Torre, said Blitz Day is CBC Calgary's chance to throw a holiday party, and to spend time with listeners in-person.

"But I think my favourite part is watching that donation total climb higher and higher. I've worked more Blitz Days than I can count and the level of generosity we see from our listeners and viewers never ceases to amaze me."

WATCH | Raising money for the Calgary Food Bank:

Chocolate made by students in science class intended to solve real world problems

10 months ago

Duration 2:27

Three classes of Grade 2 students at Masters Academy and College in Calgary created chocolate bars that solved their problems like bad breath, eating vegetables and getting a good nights sleep. Its all part of an annual science class project that culminates in a silent auction with the proceeds going directly to the Calgary Food Bank.

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek was also at CBC Calgary office Thursday morning "It's like being on the set of Elf."

She added that the generosity of Calgarians is what makes the city so special.

"You underestimate sometimes the power of one person or a single act. And we shouldn't do that. We should highlight the fact that everything matters. Everyone matters. Anything you can do is going to be much appreciated," she said.

Make the Season Kind will be on until Dec. 22, and the final total will be announced Jan. 3.

WATCH | We're collecting stories of kindness:

Calgarians share acts of kindness

10 months ago

Duration 1:51

During December, CBC Calgary is collecting stories of kindness, big and small, as part of our Make the Season Kind Campaign.The CBC's Natalie Valleau went to a mall in search of some.