CBC Thunder Bay Sounds of the Season raises thousands for RFDA

The Regional Food Distribution Association says the CBC Thunder Bay Sounds of the Season event has raised $17,150 and more than 500 pounds of food so far.

"People were coming right to the bitter end," said RFDA executive director Volker Kromm of Friday's fundraising event.

Donations came in various sizes from groups and individuals. Unifor contributed a cheque for $11,600, while Ray Riley brought in a carton of dimes and a box of pennies, along with some $20 bills.

In addition to the donations, Kromm said having the CBC live broadcast at the Paterson Family Food Centre brought many people there for the first time.

"We got a lot of new volunteers who came after listening to the CBC, to see what it was all about," Kromm said.

The RFDA supports food banks across northwestern Ontario, providing hampers for more than 13,000 people and meals for more than 26,000. The RFDA estimates that about 40 per cent of the people it serves are children.

You can continue to donate to Sounds of the Season by calling 1-855-768-7222 (1-855-SOTS-CBC), or donate online by clicking here. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2014.