TORONTO – Bell Media’s local television and radio stations have been working like Santa’s elves to make a difference this holiday season. It was announced today that more than 33 campaigns in 18 communities from coast-to-coast have raised $2,236,260 in donations, collected 251,660 toys, amassed nearly 200 tons of food, and gathered 5,000 coats. From 107.3 KOOL FM’s Food For Families in Victoria, to CTV Atlantic’s Christmas Daddies, local Bell Media television and radio stations have helped make the holiday season brighter for those less fortunate across the country.
“Bell Media’s local TV and radio stations have very deep roots and rich histories within the communities they serve,” said Chris Gordon, President, Radio and Local TV, Bell Media. “For many years, local involvement during the holiday season has been one of the cherished holiday traditions for our stations. Today we give thanks for the unwavering support of viewers and listeners, countless sponsors, and campaign partners who give generously to make sure that no family goes without.”
Bell Media station efforts have been in support of multiple food banks, The Salvation Army, YWCA, Children's Aid Society, Kids Help Phone, and The Arthritis Foundation, among other charities. Holiday campaigns include CFAX’s Miracle on Broad Street in Victoria; CTV Winnipeg’s Koats For Kids; 89X’s 12 Days of Christmas in Windsor; CTV London’s Holiday Food Drive; CTV Barrie’s Toy Drive; CTV Northern Ontario (Timmins, North Bay, Sudbury) Christmas Telethons; MAJIC 100.3 and CTV Ottawa’s Toy Mountain; Country 105/Energy 99.7 Christmas Toy Drive in Peterborough, ON; 98.3 FLY FM/98.9 THE DRIVE Toy Drive in Kingston, ON; CTV Toronto’s Toy Mountain and the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish in Toronto; The JRFM Toy Drive/BOB FM Toy Drive in Brockville, ON; and CTV Halifax’s Christmas Daddies, to name just a few of the dozens of dedicated campaigns run this year by local teams.
In many cases a record-breaking campaign year, the 2012 initiatives have been made possible by the generous support of dedicated viewers and listeners, sponsors and volunteers, and corporate and philanthropic community partners. Many Bell Media campaigns continue through December 24.
