Press Release

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport kicks off the season of giving to assist community members in need

Toronto · November 6, 2024

Community

Month-long donation drive for Daily Bread Food Bank aims to bring airport passengers, employers and workers together to combat food scarcity ahead of the holidays

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is once again kicking off the holiday season early by announcing a month-long donation drive at the airport for Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank. Donations will go toward helping the thousands of families facing hunger and food insecurity this holiday season.

A staggering 31% of adults report missing a whole day of meals because they did not have enough money for food, and last year, there were 2.53 million food bank visits in Toronto, underscoring the vital need to address food insecurity across Canada’s largest city. Food bank usage in Toronto increased by 51% last year compared to 2023, and 1 in 10 people in the city relied on food banks last year, up from 1 in 20 the previous year.

Passengers, employers from across the airport ecosystem, workers and anyone else passionate about ensuring no one in Toronto goes hungry are encouraged to donate by visiting the drive’s webpage. To make donating as easy as possible, anyone passing through the airport can simply tap their debit or credit card at locations throughout the passenger terminal.

The total amount raised to help those accessing Daily Bread Food Bank’s services will be announced later this month.

“Daily Bread Food Bank is reporting skyrocketing food insecurity in the City of Toronto and across the region. Through this campaign, we have an opportunity to provide much-needed resources to families in need. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is connecting the cause with thousands of passengers, staff and community members who can easily make a donation by tapping at kiosks throughout the airport, or through the online platform. Together we can make a meaningful impact this holiday season."

RJ Steenstra, President & CEO, PortsToronto

“YTZ is a vital transportation hub for Toronto, and we’ve also made great strides in becoming an integral part of our community. That’s why the YTZ family is committed to making a difference in people’s lives during the holiday season when food bank access is traditionally highest. We hope everyone passing through the airport during the month of November will join us in supporting this very worthwhile cause."

Neil Pakey, President and CEO, Nieuport Aviation

“Right now, one in ten of our Toronto neighbours is struggling to put food on the table. At a time of such dire need, we are deeply grateful to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for this wonderful initiative. The funds raised through this campaign will directly help families in need of emergency food support this holiday season.”

Neil Hetherington, CEO, Daily Bread Food Bank

Billy Bishop Airport in support of Daily Bread | Aéroport Billy Bishop à l'appui de Daily Bread

Uploaded by PortsToronto on 2024-11-12.

About the Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.

The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government.

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