CBC Thunder Bay Sounds of the Season raises $42,860

The CBC's annual Sounds of the Season fundraiser brought in a total of more than $40,000 for the Regional Food Distribution Association on Friday.

Businesses, unions, a private foundation and individual donors contributed a total of $42,860 to the RFDA, which supports people who struggle to afford food. 

Throughout the day, residents dropped off food donations amounting to 281.5 kilograms at the RFDA centre.

Three major donations from business, unions and a private foundation made a strong start during Friday's live broadcast of Superior Morning at the centre.

However, several individuals and other business and union reps arrived at the centre throughout the day with cash and cheques. The funds will help the RFDA can buy needed goods for food banks across the region.

"It was an amazing day, quite frankly. It exceeded all of our expectations," said RFDA executive director Volker Kromm.

"We had an expectation of maybe ten or twenty-thousand [dollars in donations]."

Kromm said a good portion of the donations will go towards "topping up" food hampers for senior citizens and single people, after the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund announced it would be focusing on families this year.

Day of Giving

Young musical talent performed during the morning show. At noon, 42 students in the Woodcrest School choir, led by director Jacqui Soulias and accompanied by Glenn Jennings on keyboard, sang for a live audience.

Three local bakers contributed to the event by taking part in a muffin-baking challenge and providing samples for all who visited the centre.

In the contest, muffins from Michael Quibell of Little Doos (pumpkin white chocolate), Julie Einarson from Sweet Escape (apple cranberry), and Rhonda Bill of A Fine Fit Catering (chocolate zucchini) all won top billing.

Donations to the RFDA can be made by phone throughout December by calling 1-855-768-7222 (1-855-SOTS-CBC), or go to the Sounds of the Season link on our website to donate online.