CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive looks to raise $1M with new events, partners

The CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive gets under way Dec. 1 with an ambitious goal of $1 million, and this year there's an event every day leading up to Dec. 23 with new partners like the Calgary Public Library.

The Eyeopener's Angela Knight will be at Fratello Coffee Roasters bright and early Thursday morning to launch One Gray Knight coffee sales. For $20, coffee lovers can get a 3/4-pound specially roasted bag of Fratello coffee and a limited edition mug. One thousand bags of coffee have been generously donated by Fratello. Knight will be there between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Later in the day, the Winter Word Fair launches at the Central Library starting at 5 p.m. Book-related wares will be available from independent booksellers and vendors.

For the first time, all Calgary Public Library branches will accept food donations for this drive. They are looking for food donations only though, so no cash please.

• CBC Calgary Food Bank Drive has record fundraising year

A kids colouring contest aims to bring out young artists. Children can submit a drawing of their favourite meal, which will be displayed in the CBC lobby. One entry will be randomly chosen to win a Kids' CBC prize pack.

How to donate

Calgarians have a lot of options for their donations, including CBC Calgary at 1724 Westmount Blvd. N.W., Bankers Hall, Suncor Energy Centre, Fifth Avenue Place, the Calgary Food Bank and all Calgary Public Library branches, within certain hours.

Donations can also be made online.

In addition to some old favourites like Tim Tam's Christmas concert and the CP Holiday Train, the drive has some exciting new features this year.

• The Homestretch and Key of A are teaming up for a live musical remote at the Ironwood on Dec. 2.
• Daybreak@Night will be making a special holiday appearance at Yuk Yuk's on Dec. 7.
• Bankers Hall is hosting a fashion show featuring local designers, including outfits made of wrapping paper, on Dec. 8.

The Calgary Farmers' Market joins in on Friday and Saturday as Santa arrives at 11 a.m. For a food donation, you can get your picture taken with the big guy.

CBC staff will be lending a hand at the Calgary Food Bank on Saturday between 8:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The fundraising goal of $1 million this year is the same as last year's and CBC is hoping to see the same results. Last year the drive raised more than $1.7 million.

Check back here for a complete list of fundraising events.