Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA), proud partner of Hunger for Hope has 10,130 reasons to celebrate.
In December 2009, coin collector baby bottles in support of Hunger for Hope were placed in the air terminal building. Today, Winnipeg Airports Authority is pleased to announce that $10,130 has been collected.
In addition to Canadian funds, donations from around the globe were deposited and include currency from Argentina, Brazil, Britain, China, Ethiopia, Germany, Maldives and the United States.
Barry Rempel, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority
“Travellers from around the world have opened their hearts and emptied their pockets to help ensure no child goes to bed hungry,” said Barry Rempel, President & CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The generosity of travellers and visitors to the airport shows us we can all play a role in eradicating child hunger.”
“We are so pleased that airport visitors and our guests from around the world see there is no place for hungry children in our society. The fact that we still have babies who go to bed hungry in Manitoba is alarming.” said Garth Buchko, General Manager, Corus Entertainment. “Thank you to WAA and to everyone who deposited their change and bills in the Hunger for Hope baby bottles. Together we will make sure NO Child Goes to Bed Hungry!”
“Manitoba is rooted in agriculture and a spirit of caring for one another,” said David Northcott, Executive Director, Winnipeg Harvest. “Thank you WAA for growing a spirit of caring that produces veggies! What a garden!”
In addition to the Hunger for Hope campaign, WAA supports Winnipeg Harvest through the Grow-A-Row Program. On October 1, 2010, WAA harvested its airport garden to donate fresh produce for Winnipeg Harvest. The Grow-A-Row Program is a Winnipeg Harvest initiative which encourages individuals, families, organizations and local community centres to plant, grow and harvest fruits and vegetables to help reduce hunger in Winnipeg.
About Hunger for Hope:
Corus Radio made a commitment to Winnipeg Harvest to raise $100,000 a year to help eradicate child hunger in Manitoba; however, in a little over 18 months, Hunger for Hope has raised almost $300,000. Winnipeg Harvest feeds approximately 39,000 individuals each week – over sixteen hundred infants in Manitoba receive emergency formula each month from Winnipeg Harvest. Despite the generous food donations by individuals and businesses in Manitoba, there is never enough baby/infant formula to meet demand. As a result, Winnipeg Harvest has an annual cash operating cost of $60,000 designated strictly for the purchase of formula. The goal of “Hunger for Hope” is to cover this cost and establish an endowment fund to cover this cost for years to come.
About Winnipeg Harvest:
Winnipeg Harvest was founded in 1984 by Lee Newton, and the warehouse opened its doors in 1985. Currently, Harvest distributes food to over 49,000 people each month. Winnipeg Harvest is a founding member of Food Banks Canada, and is a member of the Manitoba Association of Food Banks.
Last year Winnipeg Harvest distributed over 10 million pounds of food to over 320 Member Agencies across Manitoba, including food banks, soup kitchens, youth programs and drop-in-centre
About Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.:
Winnipeg Airports Authority is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and affiliate businesses. All surplus revenue over expenses is reinvested by WAA back into the community, primarily through airport development projects. WAA is self sufficient with taxpayers not directly involved in financing airport site redevelopment which is being paid through Airport Improvement Fees (AIF).
Winnipeg Airports Authority serves our region by providing value to our customers and community. A source of pride for our community, we strive to be a leader in its growth and development.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Christine Alongi
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc
24 Hour Media Line: 204.992.2791
