In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 is proving to be difficult for many. According to Statistics Canada, almost one in seven Canadians have experienced food insecurity during the crisis. In Québec City, the number of people who have relied on Moisson Québec has doubled in the last few months while in Toronto, the Daily Bread Food Bank has seen a 25% increase in requests for food aid. Additionally, physical distancing measures have reduced shelter capacity, depriving many homeless of needed resources.
Now, charities are relying more than ever on the generosity of Canadians to help them. And this year, BBA and its employees answered the call as never before! In fact, the annual Employee Giving Campaign, which ended on December 11, raised a record amount of over $80,000. BBA removed the maximum corporate contribution limit, usually $50,000, and matched all employee donations. The combined donation of $164,096 from BBA and its team members will support United Way/Centraide, HealthPartners and Tree Canada.
On top of that, given the exceptional needs associated with the pandemic, BBA has also decided to support organizations that provide food aid and support to the homeless in major cities where it operates. As a result, BBA will be giving over $65,000 to the following organizations: Moisson Montréal, Dans la rue, l’Accueil Bonneau, Le Refuge des jeunes de Montréal and St. Michael’s Mission in Montréal; Le Grain d’Sel in Mont-Saint-Hilaire; Eva’s in Toronto; the food banks and The Mustard Seed in both Edmonton and Calgary; as well as Covenant House Vancouver and the Grand Vancouver Food Bank.
