Hunger-Fighting Campaign Launches Across Canada

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 16, 2014) - Food banks across Canada are gearing up to take part in a national grassroots initiative combatting hunger which launches its third annual campaign this week.

Last year, more than $8,500 was raised in Calgary. Calgary Food Bank Development Coordinator, Keoma Duce, says "This generous donation meant we could ensure there was healthy nutritious food for families and individuals in need. We were able to help remove the stress of food insecurity and reduce the burden of having to decide between putting a meal on the table or putting a roof overhead."

Give 30 is designed to motivate people fasting in Ramadan to donate a portion of the money they save by skipping meals over the month. People who aren't fasting can also take part, says Give 30 founder Ziyaad Mia, noting that donations have come from people of all faiths and backgrounds. "Brown bag your lunch for the month or tally up 30 days of coffee money. Whatever it is, it can make a difference in the lives of those who don't have enough to eat."

"This is a grassroots movement that's catching on much faster than ever imagined," says Mia. The Toronto lawyer and social activist attributes the significant growth of the campaign to the simplicity of the idea and the power of social media.

Ramadan is about giving, building community, and understanding the challenges of hunger, says Mia. That is why it works well motivating people to give. "Everyone can participate in the spirit of Ramadan," Mia emphasizes. "Hunger touches all types of people and that's why it's important for everyone to join Give 30."

Give 30 was founded in 2012 to focus on hunger in Canada and motivate people of all backgrounds to give to food banks during the month of Ramadan through GIVE30.ca. In its first year, Give 30 raised almost $40,000. Last year, food banks in three provinces joined and received more than $90,000 in donations to fight hunger. This year, Give 30 grows again, with nine food bank partners across 5 provinces.

About Give 30: Give 30 runs in Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Quebec, Mississauga, Ottawa, Vancouver and Winnipeg. Ramadan takes place from June 28 - July 27, 2014.

The Give 30 campaign runs from June 16 through September 5, 2014.

W: GIVE30.ca

FB: /GIVE30

T: @GIVE_30

This release is transmitted courtesy of Marketwired.