Communities across Canada and the United States rallied behind the fourth annual Purolator Tackle Hunger National Red Bag campaign, donating the equivalent of 208,123 meals to local food banks to help those facing food insecurity sat a time of growing need.
Throughout September and October, employees, customers and community members turned generosity into action as part of Hunger Action Month, a national initiative that raises awareness about food insecurity and inspires people to make a difference.
Purolator volunteers distributed more than 66,000 reusable Red Bags door-to-door across 25 communities in Canada and the U.S. They then returned to collect non-perishable food donations and deliver them directly to participating food banks. With this year’s results, the Purolator Tackle Hunger National Red Bag campaign has now provided more than 720,000 meals to communities facing food insecurity since 2023. This year, Purolator also made it easier for everyone to take part with a virtual Red Bag option through online monetary donations.
“To see this campaign continue to grow at a time when so many people are facing pressures of their own says a lot about how deeply people care about tackling hunger in their communities,” said John Ferguson, President and CEO, Purolator. “Year after year, more people are getting behind the National Red Bag campaign and recognizing the difference their support can make. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who contributed this year.”
“Food bank use is at its highest in Canadian history, with 2.35 million visits to a food bank in a month, with nearly 776,000 visits to food banks in a month involving children,” said Kirstin Beardsley, Chief Executive Officer, Food Banks Canada. “We are so grateful for the continuous support from Purolator. For more than two decades, Purolator has helped tackle hunger through the dedication of its people, the reach of its network and its community connections, getting food where it is needed most. The National Red Bag campaign continues that long-standing commitment, and we are grateful to Purolator and everyone who contributed this year.”
Since its inception in 2003, the grassroots Purolator Tackle Hunger program has helped to provide more than 27 million meals to Canadians through food banks across the country.
How people in Canada can continue to help tackle hunger:
Canadians can continue to support Food Banks Canada by filling a virtual Red Bag through an online monetary donation. Non-perishable food donations can also be brought to any Purolator Shipping Centre across Canada. Use the Purolator Locator tool to find a location nearby.
How people in the U.S. can continue to help tackle hunger:
For ongoing support to food banks in the U.S., donations can be made to Feeding America through its online donation page.
To learn more about Purolator Tackle Hunger, visit purolatortacklehunger.com.
Caption: Purolator volunteers delivering filled Red Bags at a local food bank in Victoriaville, Que.
