Calgarians raise $1.4M in Make the Season Kind food drive for Calgary Food Bank

Throughout the month of December, Calgarians helped to raise $1,403,499.65 for the Calgary Food Bank as part of CBC Calgary's Make the Season Kind campaign.

The annual drive invites city residents to make a monetary or a food donation in support of the food bank, as well as share acts of kindness.

Michael Pasma, interim president of the Calgary Food Bank, says the combined efforts of so many people helped the food bank to reach such a massive number.

"It's larger donors, it's individual donors," he said in an interview onthe Calgary Eyeopener.

"It's the CBC and your coverage of it, it's from the coffee sales, our volunteers, the staff members, everybody's contributed to this. So it just feels amazing that we were able to do it together."

A lot of the funds come in duringCBC Calgary's annual Blitz Day, which involves a full day of interviews, music and celebrations at the station.

Coffee sales, bakery fundraisers and support from businesses and community associations also helped to push the final total well above the $1-million target.

LISTEN | Calgary Eyeopener team reveals final total of Make the Season Kind food bank drive:

"Our campaign wouldn't be successful without the community and our audience, and there were so many people behind the scenes," said Ishita Singla, withCBC Calgary's communications department.

Helen Henderson, CBC Calgary's senior director of journalism and programming, said thanks go to many.

"When I look at that impressive number, I see all of the individuals, families, corporationsand groups of folks who came together to try to make the season a little bit brighter for their fellow Calgarians. Thanks to each and every one of you!"

Read more about how Calgarians Made the Season Kind by visiting cbc.ca/feedyyc.