Working together to deliver a better future: Tackling hunger with Purolator

By John Ferguson, President and CEO, Purolator

It’s no secret that food insecurity is a growing concern in this country, exacerbated by escalating food prices and the rising cost of living. On average, 6.7 million Canadians use non-profit food services each year, a number that is expected to rise by 60 per cent in 2023. In fact, during just one month last year, food banks had a record 1.5 million visitors, the highest number ever seen. One in three food bank clients are children.

With our vast Canadian courier and freight network, Purolator has the privilege of visiting the homes and workplaces of thousands of Canadian consumers and businesses every day. We are in a special position to support communities across the country.

This is just part of what’s fueled the success of Purolator Tackle Hunger. The program was started in June 2003 by Purolator employees in British Columbia who wanted to help keep local food banks stocked. Twenty years on, it has evolved into a major grassroots initiative, targeting community-level food insecurity through employee-led fundraising efforts across Canada.

This shared pride and purpose has empowered our employees to raise more than 20 million pounds of food for those in need. And this year, we plan to raise two million more – our most ambitious goal yet!?

The spirit of cooperation

With the help of partners like the CFL, Food Banks Canada, and many others, we have been able to expand the scope of Purolator Tackle Hunger every year. These partners share our values of resiliency, teamwork, and cooperation, all in the name of a giving back and making Canada stronger.??

During this 20th anniversary year of Purolator Tackle Hunger our employees are aiming to hold over 200 events. This will include our National Red Bag Day campaign that will involve the collection of non-perishable items from the doorsteps of Canadians, 10 CFL Game Day Food Drives, and many more events across the country.

These activities are often hosted and attended by our employees with their family members: a demonstration of the heart and soul that’s makes this program such a success. It’s this dedication that fuels the growth of the program, making it something all of us at Purolator rally around.

Our ultimate goal is to help eliminate food insecurity in this country and build a world where Canadians don’t need help to put food on their tables. Until then, we’re committed to keep going for as long as it takes: one dollar, one can of food and one event at a time. I look forward to continuing working alongside our employees, customers and partners supporting Purolator Tackle Hunger to help make that happen.

To our employees, partners, customers and CFL fans: thank you for the support you have and continue to give. Together, we can, and we will, tackle hunger.