In December 2025, the Ottawa Food Bank joined forces with CBC Ottawa in a powerful community initiative that showcased the spirit of generosity, compassion, and collective action right here in our nation’s capital. The Make the Season Kind campaign—part of a broader national effort by CBC to help food banks across Canada—served not only as a fundraiser but also as a platform to share stories that deepen public understanding of hunger and food insecurity.
At a time of year traditionally associated with giving and gratitude, Make the Season Kind put a spotlight on the challenges faced by many Ottawa residents while also celebrating the countless individuals and organizations that step forward to help. In a heartfelt thank-you message on the Ottawa Food Bank website, staff expressed profound appreciation for the community’s generosity and the way Ottawa responded to this call to kindness.
Highlighting Real Stories, Inspiring Real Change
Throughout the month of December, CBC Ottawa dedicated significant airtime to sharing narratives that illustrated both the realities of food insecurity and the positive work being done to address it. These stories aired on radio and television, and featured voices from the Ottawa Food Bank community—staff, volunteers, partner agencies, and those with lived experience of food insecurity. This storytelling helped build empathy, educate listeners, and motivate action.
Among those featured were members of the equiTABLE Resident Action Group, who offered insight into the grassroots efforts that make a difference in neighbourhoods across the city. Several local food partners also participated, including the Centretown Community Food Centre, The Ottawa Mission, Sadaqa Food Bank, and Westboro Region Food Bank, highlighting how collaboration strengthens the social support network. Supporters such as Ottawa Food Bank volunteer Rob Clarke and staff like Tom Robson (Coordinator, Community Harvest) also shared their experiences and perspectives.
This focus on people—not just statistics—reminded audiences that behind every emergency food program, food drive, and donation is a story of an individual or family striving to make ends meet. By centring human experience, the campaign helped shift public understanding of hunger from abstract concept to lived reality.
A Day of Community and Connection
A major highlight of the campaign was CBC’s Make the Season Kind Day on Friday, December 5, when CBC Radio Ottawa devoted an entire day of programming to the Ottawa Food Bank’s work. The day began with Ottawa Morning, broadcast live from Hurdman Station with musical performances from The London Trio Plus and Miss McLeod. Later in the afternoon, All In A Day was broadcast from the St. Laurent Shopping Centre, featuring live performances by SAM’ Artiste Choir and Talia Aoude.
Listeners were encouraged to visit these events, engage with the broadcasts, and make donations in person or by phone. A full-day call centre was set up at the Ottawa Food Bank warehouse to take pledges and contributions from supporters across the community—a tangible reminder that behind every donation is a person choosing to make a difference.
The Impact: Nearly $300,000 and Counting
Thanks to the generosity of listeners, donors, volunteers, community partners, and local businesses, the Make the Season Kind campaign raised $297,278.85—and that total continues to grow. Contributions came from an array of supporters, including individual donors, Dr. John Kershman and family, architectural firm Architects DCA, and anonymous donors, one of whom helped match gifts up to $45,000. Every dollar raised will help the Ottawa Food Bank continue its mission of providing food and essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Ottawa.
This remarkable amount reflects not just financial contributions, but the collective compassion of a community that refuses to turn a blind eye to its neighbours in need. It also underscores the power of local media collaborations that educate, engage, and mobilize communities around shared challenges.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Purpose
The Ottawa Food Bank extends heartfelt thanks to every person who listened, shared stories, volunteered, and donated during the campaign. It was the collective effort of thousands of individuals that transformed a season into one defined by kindness and solidarity.
While Make the Season Kind focused on the holidays, the work of the Ottawa Food Bank continues year-round. With each dollar raised, more nutritious food can be purchased, more programs supported, and more families helped—and that’s something for the entire community to celebrate.
