Within the last few minutes of CBC Radio’s The Homestretch, a handful of Calgarians and their donations helped CBC Calgary reach its $1.5 million fundraising goal for the Calgary Food Bank.
“Our listeners heard that we were close to the goal and started showing up with donations, and we crossed the finish line a few bucks at a time,” said Tracy Johnson, CBC Calgary’s senior director of journalism and programming.
“Two little boys came in with their money from their lemonade stand, and it reminded us of why we do this. CBC Calgary’s really proud to be part of a community that cares so much.”
Crowds of people flooded CBC Calgary’s lobby all day on Thursday during Blitz Day — a full day of celebrations and special programming devoted to the station’s “Make the Season Kind” campaign, a yearly venture in support of the Calgary Food Bank.
This is the 39th year CBC Calgary has supported the food bank. So far this year, $1,503,553.40 has been raised.
Blitz Day is a tradition for CBC Calgary, during which listeners, viewers and online visitors were invited to the station at 1000 Veterans Place N.W. for a day of special broadcast programming, live music and interviews with local special guests.
Special radio programming
Listeners could stay updated on CBC Radio One 99.1 FM or watch the livestream of all the festivities on the CBC Alberta YouTube channel.
The Calgary Eyeopener: 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
The morning kicked off with a special edition of the Calgary Eyeopener. Hosts Loren McGinnis and Angela Knight were joined by local band L’Omelette, and they played holiday songs as well as an unreleased original tune.
Special guests for the show included Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, two-time Olympic gold medal speed skater Catriona Le May Doan, Calgary Food Bank CEO Melissa From and more.
From told host Loren McGinnis that it’s hard for many people who are struggling financially to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s just been quite a year at the Calgary Food Bank,” said From. “The reality is the need is greater than it’s ever been before.”
WATCH | Raising money for the Calgary Food Bank:
From says Calgarians are continuing to feel the pressures of a high cost of living and increasing financial strain. According to the agency’s data, more employed people are using its services, and that demographic is the fastest growing among food bank users.
“So many folks are needing a little bit of extra help.”
She hopes the food bank’s services can continue to alleviate some stress for Calgarians.
It was also the final day of the Calgary Eyeopener‘s song contest, 12 Days of Calgary Christmas, which has been written entirely by listeners submitting one new lyric line every weekday.
Alberta at Noon: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
At noon, audience members joined host Ted Henley for a full hour of holiday tradition tales and heartwarming songs played by soulful, yacht-pop artist Kayla Williams.
Henley heard about various holiday traditions from Calgarians, including Christmas Eve ski trips, nostalgic films and festive foods.
The Homestretch: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In the afternoon, The Homestretch hosts Chris dela Torre and Jenny Howe were joined by Ollee Owens, a three-piece band that will be playing holiday jingles throughout the show.
Special guests for this holiday edition of The Homestretch included Erica Schell from the Great Canadian Baking Show, Canadian referee Drew Fisher and others.
