26th Annual CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive Launched

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - Dec. 5, 2011) - A $50,000 contribution from Suncor Energy today kick-started the annual CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive. From now until December 24, Calgarians are invited to contribute food and money to the campaign, with the goal of raising $1 million for the Calgary Food Bank.

In an impassioned speech, Carly Burbank, a past client of the Food Bank and current donor explained how appreciative clients are when they receive assistance from the Calgary Food Bank, "I can say this whole heartedly because I used to be a Food Bank client. What I hope more than anything to express is that the clients of the Food Bank are just people. People struggling to get by and just wanting the very basics to do so....sustenance. Just because they are in need now does not mean they will always be, and the generosity people show to those who need it will always be passed on at some point to someone else!"

Because of the generosity of Calgarians over the last 25 years, the CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive has raised almost $11 million for the Calgary Food Bank. It has become one of the organization's key fund raising campaigns.

Three amazing works of gingerbread art, designed by chefs from local hotels: the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the Best Western Port O'Call Hotel, and the Delta Calgary South, were unveiled this morning as part of the Gingerbread House Raffle, a new addition to the myriad ways Calgarians can give to the CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive.

Campaign events will be held around the city until December 24: the ever-popular Upscale Bake Sale on December 7, Jam the Van and the CP Holiday Train on December 9, and Amble with Angus on December 16, to name just a few. Throughout the campaign, donations can be made daily at the CBC Broadcast Centre and the Food Bank. Until December 16, donations will be accepted at Suncor Energy Centre and Altius Centre; and until December 19, donations of non-perishable foods can be made at any Petro-Canada station.

"The Calgary Food Bank believes in the importance of working together to create a hunger-free community," said James McAra, CEO of the Calgary Food Bank. "The generosity of Calgarians at this time of year through the CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive is a demonstration of just that. Together, we are feeding the possibility of a Calgary without hunger."

More information and a list of campaign events are available at www.calgaryfoodbank.com. Daily updates of campaign donations and upcoming events can be had by following the Food Bank on Twitter or Liking us on Facebook.

This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwire.