Here's how you can help CBC Hamilton Make the Season Kind

You may know it as Sounds of the Season, but this year, CBC Hamilton is joining 26 other CBC stations nationwide under a new name: Make the Season Kind.It's is our annual holiday fundraiser in support of Hamilton Food Share. Our goal is to raise money, donations and awareness for those facing food insecurity in Hamilton.

According to Feed Ontario, over 1 million people visiteda food bank between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024, an increase of 25 per centover 2022-2023. Food banks were visited 7.6 million times between that time period, anincrease of 31 per centover 2022-2023, and 134 per centover 2019-2020. It'sthe eighth consecutive year food bank use has risen in the province.

According to Hamilton Food Share's 2023 Hunger Report, on any given day, more than 1,117 people in the areawill reach out for food support including66 seniors and 426 children.

Donate to Hamilton Food Share here!

This year, CBC Hamiltonwill delve into the issue of food security with digital news coverage throughout the month of December, launching onFriday,Dec. 6.

Through our coverage, which will be found onlineat cbc.ca/hamiltonall month long,our audience and the broader Hamilton community can learn about the state of food insecurity in the region, meet those working hard on the frontlines to meet people's food needs, geta deeper understanding of the most vulnerable groups impacted by food insecurity and learn about the best ways to help.

Last year, CBC Hamiltonheld an afternoon of giving, art and community at our space on James Street North. This special event featured slam poetry performances by Hamilton You Poets and students from Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School.

During our 2023 campaign, Hamiltoniansraised$3,338.41 for our neighbours in need and more than 10kg of food.

Since 2015, the CBC has raised over$51 millionfor food banks and other charities from coast to coastas part of their annual holiday drives.

Join us this year for Make the Season Kind and help support those experiencing hunger in our community. Donate to Hamilton Food Share here.

Getting schools involved

As part of the wider CBCcampaign this year, we also have a new challenge for students:The Make the Season Kind School Challenge.

Beginning Nov.13, 2024, all publicly funded elementary schools in Ontario are invited to participate in the Make the Season Kind School Challenge. The goal is to give students a better understanding of social justice, poverty, and food access in their community.

Participating classes will have the chance to win a pizza lunch courtesy of Pizza Pizza. We encourage parents and guardians to share this initiative with your child's teacher. Click thislinkfor more information and to register.