CBC Calgary Suncor Food Bank Drive has record fundraising year

All the cans, cheques and piggy banks have been counted and it's official we have just had the most successfulCBC Calgary Suncor Food Bank Drive in 30 years.

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The annual fundraiser brought in close to $1.8-million inmoney and food for our city's less fortunate.

Total raised: $1,771,592.44

"We could not do this without CBC, without the generosity of listeners, without Calgarians who get it. And that is the thing that we see every day,is that we know how to get through this and look after our neighbours," said James McAra, CEO of the Calgary Food Bank.

Sales fromtheCalgaryEyeopenerOne Gray Knighttravelmug and Fratello Coffee beans alsoraised at least $13,000 for the Medicine Hat, Red Deer,OkotoksandAirdriefood banks.

"You know I think those that could give, gave more," said SuzanneWaddell, communications, marketing and brand manager forCBC Calgary.

"Whether it was a gentleman who came in with a jar of peanut butter because that's really all he could give, to kids collecting money from their birthday parties, to giving their allowances," she said.

Online donations for the Calgary Food Bank were up 107 per cent this year.