As 2025 draws to a close, Food Banks Mississauga is urging the community to end the year with generosity that goes even further — thanks to a powerful matching donation initiative led by the Orlando Corporation. From December 23 to 31, 2025, every monetary gift made to Food Banks Mississauga’s Holiday Drive will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Orlando Corporation, up to a total of $150,000. This match offers donors a rare opportunity to double the impact of their contribution, helping provide twice as much food and support to neighbours facing food insecurity throughout the city.

Why This Match Matters

Food insecurity in Mississauga continues to grow — and so does the need for community support. In 2024, food programs across the city served a record-breaking number of visits, with more than half a million people relying on food banks and community food programs to feed themselves and their families. These numbers reflect a persistent and increasing challenge for many residents who struggle to keep food on the table amid rising living costs.

The Holiday Drive itself was launched with an ambitious goal: raise $3 million to support Food Banks Mississauga’s network of over 60 food programs. These funds enable the organization to source, purchase, and distribute nutritious food across the city, and help sustain critical services well into the new year. By mid-December, the campaign had already raised more than $2.29 million — but with $700,000 still needed to reach the goal, the year-end match play becomes even more significant.

How the Matching Gift Works

The Orlando Corporation’s commitment means that every dollar donated during the final week of the year will be matched, effectively doubling your gift. For example, a $50 donation becomes $100, and a $100 donation becomes $200. Because Food Banks Mississauga can buy food at large-scale, discounted rates or source it from partner food rescue organizations, every dollar goes a long way — providing two meals for every dollar donated during the matching period.

This year’s matching campaign isn’t the first time Orlando Corporation has supported Food Banks Mississauga, but it’s one of the most impactful because of the timing and scale. Ending the year with this match pushes the community closer to reaching — or even exceeding — the Holiday Drive’s goal, amplifying collective giving at a moment when it matters most.

A Personal Call to Community Generosity

Meghan Nicholls, CEO of Food Banks Mississauga, highlighted how critical community support is — not just in emergencies, but every day. As she explains, “More neighbours are falling further behind and turning to a food bank to feed themselves and their families.” With nearly **49,000 individuals relying on Food Banks Mississauga and its partner programs, every contribution makes a tangible difference in someone’s life.

Nicholls encourages residents to think of their neighbours during this season of celebration and reflection, noting that while many people enjoy holiday meals with loved ones, others face uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. The year-end match serves as both an incentive and a reminder that collective giving can help ease that uncertainty for those in need.

How You Can Get Involved

There are several meaningful ways for individuals and groups to take part in this campaign:

  • Make a monetary donation online before December 31 to have your gift matched.
  • Create a personalized fundraising page to rally coworkers, friends, family, or community groups to support the cause.
  • Volunteer locally — for example, at grocery store fundraising events where you can donate and spread awareness. 

By taking part in the matching campaign, donors not only contribute to immediate food access but also help strengthen the broader fabric of community support that Food Banks Mississauga provides throughout the year.

Looking Toward the New Year

The Orlando Corporation’s match is more than just a fundraising tool — it’s a symbol of collaborative effort and shared responsibility. When a community comes together to tackle food insecurity with such momentum, the impact resonates far beyond the numbers. It means families can enjoy a meal together, young children can focus on school without hunger, and older adults won’t have to choose between food and other essential needs.

As the Holiday Drive runs through January 9, 2026, the added boost from this year’s year-end match will help sustain momentum into the new year, ensuring that Food Banks Mississauga’s network is resilient, responsive, and ready to meet ongoing needs.

By giving before year’s end, donors can make a lasting difference and close out 2025 knowing their generosity has been matched, multiplied, and put to work in homes and hearts across Mississauga.