Be A Part of the Mayor’s Christmas Food Drive History

The year was 1989 and Calgary was still riding the high from hosting a successful Winter Olympics, the pandas were at the Calgary Zoo, Ralph Klein was the new Premier and Lanny McDonald wore the #9 Calgary Flames jersey. The Calgary Food Bank was just seven years old and operating from a warehouse at 6408 1A Street SW.

We were still reeling from the recession in 1983, where thousands of oil industry workers became unemployed, with many declaring bankruptcy. The demand for emergency food hampers was at an all-time high and the need for donations was greater than ever. To help aid the in the collection of donations, Calgary’s Mayor at the time, Al Duerr, started the first-ever Mayor’s Christmas Food Drive. 

Mayor Dave Bronconnier followed suit, and since 2010, Mayor Naheed Nenshi has heartedly adopted the campaign as well. 

“As much as we all wish we didn’t need a food bank, I am proud of how so many Calgarians—from students to my City of Calgary colleagues to many great corporate citizens—who give to this important cause. Our strength, as a community, comes from how we treat our neighbours and fellow citizens.” – Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Now to kick-off the campaign there is a friendly competition pitting media and sponsors against each other in the race for the golden shopping cart. To win, teams must build the most festive holiday structure using food items and create a catchy food bank themed holiday tune. The fun and creativity doesn’t stop there as the Calgary Catholic School District and Calgary Board of Education schools participate in a Canstruction Jr competition. This annual event is more than just a food and drive, it’s a city coming together with neighbour helping neighbour.

Become part of the tradition.

Join the community of giving alongside the other businesses, schools and community groups by holding a food drive or fundraiser this holiday season as part of the Mayor’s Food Drive. Its’ easy and fun so contact Tara Sarjoo by email or 403-319-0829 to get involved today!