Recognizing Long-Term Giving This National Philanthropy Day

Philanthropy is defined as goodwill to fellow members of the human race, or as idea, event, or action that is done to better humanity. In Greek it directly translates to mean ‘love of mankind’. No matter how you explain philanthropy, CTV Calgary embodies every definition. They have been an integral part of the community for 50 years, telling the stories that impact Calgarians and taking action to make a difference.

In the Spring of 1995, a news room staff member saw a story about the empty shelves at the Calgary Food Bank. This sparked the idea to do a food drive in the Spring, when donations are typically down. CTV put their resources behind that employee, and rallied the community to donate. The Friends Helping Friends food drive is now one of the largest events, and has generated more than $2.3 million in food and funds over the years, ensuring access to food for families and individuals in crisis.

In 2008, as part of Operation Renovation, they came together with Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter. They helped build a new kitchen and dining area, created computer stations for clients and painted in the Shelter. Their relationship blossomed, and for the past three years CTV’s Toy Mountain campaign has supported the Shelter. Toy Mountain raises donations of toys, essential items and financial support for women and children fleeing family violence and abuse. This campaign alone has raised over $774,000 in gift-in-kind and direct financial support.

CTV supports a long list of charities and are engaged all year long, sharing stories and issues on news broadcasts; lending their celebrity talent to host and participate in events; and promoting activities on their social media and community calendars. They use their strong public voice to educate the community. They work to change the language and understanding around poverty, food insecurity, family violence and abuse; dispelling myths and helping to remove the stigma and shame.

CTV Calgary truly believes in the non-profit organizations they support, and in bringing Calgary together for a common good. They work to understand the issues and advocate on our behalf, believing in the good work we all accomplish every day. On November 15, 2017, National Philanthropy Day, we will celebrate CTV Calgary’s ‘love of mankind’!!