NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VICTORIA, B.C. — The results of the Spirit of Giving 2009 campaign at The Bay Centre to raise food and cash donations for the Mustard Seed Food Bank were announced today. A total of $61,550 in cash and 96,532 pounds of food were collected from December 1 to December 24, 2009. The Mustard Seed Food Bank estimates the value of the food received to be worth approximately $2.50 per pound, bringing the total value raised by the 2009 Spirit of Giving campaign to $302,880. The Mustard Seed Food Bank receives 100% of the cash and food raised during the Spirit of Giving campaign to support their invaluable programs and services.
This year’s donations were raised through the Mustard Seed’s cash and food donation table, silent auction, and gift wrapping stations located in The Bay Centre, as well as through the efforts of the Spirit of Giving’s many community partners. Two new initiatives by The Bay Centre included the fashion exhibit, in partnership with the Pacific Academy of Design, and holiday photos in front of the centre’s Christmas display. In addition, The Bay Centre also made a corporate gift of $5,000.
“Our community has demonstrated the true spirit of giving in this year’s annual campaign,” said Darlene Hollstein, General Manager of The Bay Centre. “This is the 11th year that The Bay Centre has hosted this event and we are overwhelmed by Victoria’s generosity.”
Since its inception in 1999, the Spirit of Giving campaign has raised over 2 million dollars (combined cash and food) for the Mustard Seed Food Bank. The Mustard Seed Food Bank is currently assisting more than 7,200 people every month, nearly 1,700 are children and over 1,000 are seniors on fixed incomes.
Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to this great cause.
Covering one full city block in the heart of town, The Bay Centre has a mix of over 90 street front and interior shops where you’ll find great unique brands, diverse dining options and exceptional service in an urban shopping environment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Darlene Hollstein
General Manager
Tel: (250) 952-5699
Email: hollsteind@cadillacfairview.com
Web: www.thebaycentre.ca