Friends of the Food Bank Chuck Wagon to Lead the Charge in the Annual Put the Boots to Hunger Campaign

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - April 1, 2011) - The Put the Boots to Hunger campaign will feature Jordie Fike driving the Friends of the Food Bank chuckwagon in the GMC Rangeland Derby. "I'm proud to be thundering around the Half Mile Of Hell running down hunger", says Jordie Fike, who is only the 4th driver in World Professional Chuckwagon Association history to qualify for the Calgary Stampede Rangeland Derby in his rookie year. Jordie is a 4th generation wagon man, the grandson of the great Ron David and the older brother of WPCA outrider Chad Fike.

Driven by their support for the wider community and their feeling of corporate responsibility, Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (BD&P) created Put The Boots to Hunger as a campaign to help the Calgary Food Bank raise food and funds to feed those in need. BD&P has contributed $350,000 during the first two years of this campaign and in 2011 BD&P has pledged $200,000 and challenges the community to rally around and raise the $700,000 goal for the third year of this campaign during the 2011 Calgary Stampede.

"When BD&P initiated the Boots To Hunger Campaign, we had modest goals. As we enter into our third year we are amazed by the momentum this campaign is building. It reinforces our belief that Calgarians truly support the community in which they live. The outstanding contributions from both corporate and individuals within our city communicates our willingness to help and provide a hand up to those reaching out." said BD&P's Vice Chair, Harry Campbell.

"Demand for emergency food hampers has increased 57% since the start of the recession." says Keoma Duce with the Calgary Food Bank "Put the Boots to Hunger is a campaign which helps us feed people during the summer months when donations are typically lower." This year, the Food Bank will have more than 140,000 client visits for the emergency food hamper program, the majority of those helped are the working poor. 41% of those coming to the food bank are children.

Community support for this campaign has been strong during its first two years and planning is underway with more than 70 community groups and corporations to join BD&P in hosting events and sponsoring nights at the races in support of the Put the Boots to Hunger campaign.

Visit www.putthebootstohunger.com for a complete list of the Stampede breakfasts and BBQs accepting food or funds donations in support of the Calgary Food Bank.

Companies and individuals can support the Put the Boots to Hunger campaign. Call the Calgary Food Bank (403-253-2059) for ideas, materials and support to help feed hungry Calgarians.

This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwire.