Record breaking $1,021,618.00 donated to local food banks at CBC/Radio Canada’s Open House and Food Bank Day

Spirit of giving is in full force this holiday season in B.C. 

VANCOUVER, December 9, 2019 – The holiday spirit is in full swing and British Columbians are more generous than ever. Over 2,100 people visited Canada's public broadcaster last Friday, December 6, 2019. This was a monumental year for CBC/Radio-Canada’s Open House and Food Bank Day which saw a record breaking $1,021,618.00 raised, bringing the total to over $10 million raised for Food Banks in B.C. since the inception of the event.

Held once a year at CBC Vancouver’s Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street, the entire centre is open to the public for tours the newsroom and studios, live broadcasts, musical performances and meet and greets with their favourite local CBC/Radio-Canada hosts and reporters. 

“It is the most inspiring day of the year and we always look forward to giving back to the communities we serve,” says Johnny Michel, senior managing director of CBC British Columbia and Alberta. “We are constantly amazed by the heartfelt generosity of British Columbians during the holiday season.”

Local personalities including Stephen Quinn, Gloria Macarenko, Michelle Eliot, Sheryl MacKay, Mike Killeen, Anita Bathe, Brett Soderholm, Dan Burritt, and Lien Yeung welcomed the community into the CBC Vancouver Broadcast Centre along with CBC network personalities Ian Hanomansing host of The National, and Erica Johnson of Go Public.

In addition to CBC/Radio-Canada newsroom and radio studio tours, attendees also watched a special live broadcasts of Radio One programs featuring musical guests such as Chor Leoni Men’s Choir, Company B Jazz Band, the Vancouver Youth Choir, Jack Garton, and Dakota Bear.

Look for the day’s photos and videos using #CBCOpenHouse on Twitter and Instagram! You can also still donate to BC Food Bank here.

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About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Rhyne
CBC English Communications, Marketing & Brand
Jennifer.rhyne@cbc.ca
604-662-6696