$135K raised in CBC K-W's annual Sounds of the Season campaign

People donated enough money to provide more than 405,000 meals to people in need in Waterloo region as part of CBC Kitchener-Waterloo's annual Sounds of the Season campaign.

There was a total of $135,598 raised as part of the campaign. That includes a $125,000 donation by Waterloo software company Open Text as well as a $1,003 donation by Best4All Collaborative, a group of lawyers who challenge each other and other businesses to donate to the campaign.

There was $10,500 in online donations made directly to The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Wendi Campbell, the food bank's CEO, said financial donations in particular have been crucial during the pandemic so they can adapt to changing needs in the community.

"We're able to fill gaps in our inventory by purchasing items that we aren't receiving from some of our other suppliers. We can ensure that vehicles are on the road," Campbell said.

"Right now, we're trying to keep everybody safe, and we're trying to keep everybody at home as much as possible. And it's had a huge impact on our network, on our system and how we're distributing food in the community."

Increase in users, food hampers

Campbell said the food bank is anticipating a "significant increase" in people requiring food over the winter months as people face job losses, illnesses and navigating government supports.

In 2020, nearly 2,000 new households sought help from the food bank, she said.

"We've had a 21 per cent increase since March in the amount of food that's been distributed, and we're starting to see an increase in demand for food hampers. It's already gone up by about seven per cent," she said.

Donations made over the holidays will help the food bank through the coming months, but Campbell saidfinancial donations are always welcome.

She said it's been great to see the community rally around the people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our volunteers, our community partners, the agencies are vital service providers who have been tirelessly distributing food to food hamper programs, shelter andresidential settings, outreach programs throughout this pandemic," she said.

For people who cannot give money, Campbell said there are other ways people can help.

"Although we're trying to keep people home, there are still opportunities periodically to come and volunteer to help us keep things moving," she said. "Many, many hands are still required to do this essential work in our community to ensure that no one goes hungry."