Facts at a Glance

CANADA’S FOOD BANKS

  • Began operation in Edmonton in 1981.
  • Currently 900+ and 2,900 affiliated agencies
  • Nearly half have no paid staff
  • Serve approximately 860,000 people a month – up 19% since 2000
  • 38% of those helped are children and youth
  • Largest group of users are single-parent families (80% headed by women); persons with disabilities; people with jobs
  • Typically provide other services such as advocacy, income assistance applications, and training programs.

CHRISTMAS & WINTER RELIEF ASSOCIATION

  • Non-profit association founded in 1988 by Tom Jackson with a mandate to raise money for community service and charitable organizations
  • Has raised approximately $200M in combined cash/in-kind value for food banks and disaster relief
  • Projects include:  The Huron Carole Benefit Concert Series (1988-2004); Red River Relief (1997); The Holiday Train (1999-2004); The Vigil (2001); Beef Relief (2003); Say Hay TV Special (2003); Singing for Supper (2004-2010); Hullelujah (2005-2009); Swinging for Supper (2006-2010); Rise Again (2009); Home Sweet Hope (2009-2011); Slave Lake Benefit Concert (2011)