Make the Season Kind with CBC Windsor

This holiday season, the CBC plans toMake the Season Kind.

In past years, we've hosted our annualSounds of the Seasonevent, often as a drop-in for listeners and the community to see one of our shows being broadcast live.

This year,although the name and format is changing, the goal remains the same: it's all about helping those who are experiencing food insecurity in our communities.

Since 2015, CBC has helped to raise over $51 million for food banks and other charities from coast to coast to coast as part of our annual holiday drives.

The number of first-time food bank users has risen by 27 per cent this year, according to Windsor's UHC - Hub of Opportunities.

Special CBC Windsor programming

On Thursday, Dec. 5from 6 a.m. until 8:30a.m.,join Windsor Morning host Amy Dodge for a special program dedicated to making the season kind. We'll have live musical performances, special guests and interviews with people fighting the hunger crisis so many are facing in our communities.

Later that day, on television and digital, CBC Windsor News at 6 will be broadcasting live, starting at 5:30 p.m., from Bright Lights at Jackson Park. Drop by and take our brief survey for a chance to win an exclusiveCBC swag item.

With the need being greater than ever across our area, our reporters will also be gathering stories about the different ways people are making the season kind.

How to donate

CBC's Make The Season Kind campaign isalways grateful to donors who generously support the communities of Windsor and Essex County. You can make a localonline financial donation here.

By phone, you can call our operators at 1-866-416-KIND [5463]. The donation hotline will be staffed every weekday in December from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Dec.6, when lines will be open from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Here's a complete list of what food donations are needed most.

Spread the word

Multiply your impact by sharing your efforts to #MakeTheSeasonKind on social media. You never know who in your network will be inspired to roll up their sleeves and help. Don't forget to tag us!

Together, we can make a difference for our neighbours facing food insecurity.

School challenge

As part of the campaign, we have a new challenge for students: The Make the Season Kind School Challenge.

All publicly-funded elementary schools in Ontario are invited to participate. The goal is to give students a better understanding of social justice, poverty and food access in their communities.

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 children'steachers. Click the link above for more information and to register.