FACTS AT A GLANCE

CANADA’S FOOD BANKS

• Began operation in Edmonton in 1981.
• Move $75 worth of food for every dollar received.
• Are charitable organizations relying on private donations of food and operating funds.  They receive no assistance from any level of government.
• Serve approximately 800,000 people a month.  2000 agencies serviced by food banks serve 2.29 million meals a month.
• Provided emergency food assistance to 300,000 children in a typical month in 2005.
• Rely on 900,000 hours of labour, including 468,000 volunteer hours to operate 639 food banks across the country
• 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 over $5.6M for food banks and family service agencies in Canada
  
• Launched Singing for Supper Tour that raised $464,000 and collected 14,736 pounds of food for 18 communities in 2009
  
• Optimizes fundraising campaigns by financing project overhead allowing communities to retain 100% of earnings from special events.
• Launched Swinging for Supper – a series of national golf tournaments

Another successful round of golf tournaments in Moncton, Halifax and Winnipeg just completed. Great music, great food, and great weather topped the experience for local food banks and participants.  Musicians Tom Jackson, Tom McKillip and Craig Bignell claim it as their favourite gig and best hang of the summer!

More info at swingingforsupper.ca.