Thank you!

British Columbians very generously donated a record-breaking $2,434,940 to food banks at CBC/Radio-Canada's 34th annual Open House and Food Bank Day on December 4, 2020. This is more than double last year's record-breaking amount raised. We are simply blown away!

If you didn't get the chance to donate, the donation portal will remain open until the end of December.

CBC Vancouver has raised more than $12 million for food banks in B.C. since its inception in 1986.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support of B.C.'s food banks.

(Pre-event information)

For 33 years, British Columbians have been donating to food banks at CBC/Radio-Canada's annual Open House and Food Bank Day, raising more than $10 million for food banks in B.C. since its inception in 1986.

Like everyone, CBC is adapting to the realities of life and work during a pandemic. Our Open House and Food Bank Day is a yearly tradition for many, and we are happy to once again bring you Food Bank Day – but with a safety-promoting twist.

A pandemic doesn't put a pause on the need for your kindness and generosity.

In fact, this year the need is stronger than ever. Now is the perfect time to give back to your community.

On December 4, join us virtually for special broadcasts and digital Meet and Greets with your favourite CBC British Columbia hosts, and donate to Food Banks BC from the comfort of your own home.


Many of us have been impacted financially by the pandemic, limiting us in ways we might traditionally contribute. But there are many opportunities to spread generosity and kindness aside from making monetary donations.

Put a smile on your own face – and the faces of others – by spreading Acts of Kindness in your community. For ideas and inspiration for your generous act, go here.

Volunteers fill bags with food at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in March, 2020. (Maggie MacPherson/CBC)

Join CBC hosts virtually on December 4 for group Meet and Greets!

On Dec. 4 enjoy special Food Bank Day editions of your favourite CBC Radio One programs!

The Early Edition with Stephen Quinn


5:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Featuring interviews with Christopher Gaze from Bard on the Beach, Maiko Yamamoto and James Long from East Van Panto, Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart and musical guests Bif Naked, Desiree Dawson and Katherine Penfold.

BC Today with Michelle Eliot and North by Northwest with Sheryl MacKay

12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Featuring interviews with members of B.C.’s art community, Master Gardener Brian Minter and Premier John Horgan and musical guests Alex Cuba, Jim Byrnes, Dakota Bear and June Goldsmith.

On The Coast with Gloria Macarenko


3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Featuring interviews with athlete Malindi Elmore, illustrator Pearl Low, award-winning choreographer Margaret Grenier and musical guests Michael Kaeshammer, Chor Leoni, Saltwater Hank and Hayley Sales.

This has been a year like no other, and everyone could use a dose of kindness in their lives.

Add a spark to someone’s day by considering the following Acts of Kindness:


  1. Call an elderly family member, friend or neighbour to check in on them

  2. Help someone in your household or “safe six” with a chore or task

  3. Send a thank-you letter or email to a front line worker (teacher, doctor, nurse, etc.) that has helped you or someone close to you

  4. Contact your local Food Bank and sign-up to volunteer

  5. Write a thank-you note to local first responders (police officers, firefighters, paramedics, etc.)

  6. Make holiday cards for community senior homes

And so much more! The options are endless.

A little something for you:


When you do an Act of Kindness, let us know! You're eligible to win a limited edition CBC prize pack! Just let us know about your kind deed by using the hashtag #maketheseasonkind on social media or email CBC Vancouver.

Did you donate money to Food Banks BC? You’ll also be entered into the draw to win the prize pack!


Learn about B.C.’s food banks and who you’re supporting when you make a donation to Food Banks BC.

Food Bank Facts

  1. One out of every three food bank users in British Columbia is a child

  2. Since the start of the pandemic, over 50% of food banks have reported an increase in demand for services, by as much as 250%

  3. Every month food banks in B.C. help more than 80,000 individuals

  4. With more than 50% of B.C.'s food banks run completely by volunteers and the vast majority of food bank volunteers being over 75 years old, the pandemic has resulted in significant shortages in staff and volunteer resources

  5. Ten thousand seniors over the age of 65 access a food bank in B.C. each month

  6. Ucluelet's Food Bank on the Edge is the most westerly food bank in B.C. and serves 100 families per month

  7. The most northerly food bank is in Fort Nelson serving 272 people per month

  8. The smallest food bank in B.C. is in Tumbler Ridge with 35 families each month

  9. Close to 5,000 babies under the age of two receive help from a food bank in B.C. every month

  10. Each month B.C. food banks provide over half a million meals through shelters, soup kitchens and school lunch programs

  11. Money donated to food banks is used to purchase healthy perishable foods like fruit, vegetables, diary and proteins like fish, beef, and poultry

  12. More than half of food bank users are from single parent families

On Dec. 4, tune in to CBC Radio One across the province for special programming in support of B.C.’s food banks.

CBC Victoria

Islanders can start off the morning with special guests and programming on On The Island with Gregor Craigie.

At noon, tune in to a special Food Bank Day edition of BC Today and North by Northwest with Michelle Eliot and Sheryl MacKay.

And round out Food Bank Day at 3 p.m. with Kathyrn Marlow on All Points West!

Questions you might have about Food Bank Day


How do I donate?

You can donate now online.

How do I meet CBC hosts and personalities?

Sign up for a virtual Meet and Greet! At different times during the day, your CBC favourites – like Stephen Quinn, Mike Killeen, Ian Hanomansing, Gloria Macarenko and more – will be meeting and greeting the public online via Zoom.

I registered for a Meet and Greet but don't know how to use Zoom. Can you help?

Yes! The good news is that Zoom is very user-friendly! Please visit the Zoom Help Centre for resources like this Quick Start Guide for New Users and How to Join a Meeting. All you need to do is set up an account – we’ll send you a link to your confirmed Meet and Greet.

How long is the virtual Meet and Greet? Should I come prepared with questions for the host?

The Meet and Greet will be approximately 20-30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your questions or just sit back, relax and watch! The hosts will do their best to answer all of your questions, but the session will be moderated for time and flow.

Please log in to Zoom 5-minutes prior to your booked tour time to make sure you’re all set and ready to go!

I can’t donate money this year, but I want to volunteer with my local food bank. Are they accepting volunteers?

Yes! Please visit the Food Banks BC website to find your local food banks and learn about the opportunities available in your community. You can also visit our Acts of Kindness webpage for more ways to spread generosity this season.

I can't tune in to the Food Bank Day special programming on December 4. Will it be available to listen online afterwards?

Yes! You can listen to replays of shows like The Early Edition, BC Today, North by Northwest and On The Coast online at CBC Listen.