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Each month close to 900,000 Canadians turn to food banks – children, friends and neighbours. Today, Shaw is excited to kick off its second ever Fill the Food Banks campaign, in hopes of ensuring that food will be the last thing on the minds of Canadians.

In 2010, by working with schools, customers, businesses, employees and people across the country Shaw raised an incredible 2.6 million pounds during its first food drive. Teaming up with Campbell Canada, Food Banks Canada and shipping partner Purolator, Shaw is asking Canadians to come together once again and help Fill the Food Banks with even more food this time around. This year’s campaign will span just over four weeks, culminating at the end of Hunger Awareness Week on May 11, 2012.

“Shaw’s previous Fill the Food Banks campaign proved the power of people coming together to achieve a common goal – Together is Amazing,” said Brad Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, Shaw Communications Inc. “The number of people accessing food banks remains high – and the need continues to be great. That’s why this year our goal is to reach further, collect more food and feed even more families through Shaw’s Fill the Food Banks campaign.”

All donations made to Shaw’s Fill the Food Banks campaign will be distributed through Food Banks Canada’s network and other local food banks across the country.

“Most food banks are able to provide three to five days’ worth of food, once per month to those in need. Food bank use has been very high since the recession and food banks have really struggled even to provide this much,” said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada, “Food Banks Canada’s member food banks rely on the generosity and support of Canadians to keep the shelves of our food banks stocked and we’re excited to work with Shaw to Fill the Food Banks across Canada.”

This year, there are even more ways to help Fill the Food Banks. A Fill the Food Banks video will be released April 12 on Shaw’s YouTube page. For every unique view of this video throughout the campaign, Shaw will donate one dollar and Campbell Canada will donate one pound of food to the 2012 drive, up to a maximum of $250,000 and 250,000 pounds of food.

“Hunger is a complex issue and we’re doing what we can as a food company to help by raising awareness of hunger and inspiring Canadians to get involved through the donation of healthier foods,” said Philip Donne, President, Campbell Company of Canada. “In 2010, we saw the power of collaboration and we’re encouraged to partner with Shaw, Food Banks Canada and Canadians to help Fill the Food Banks again this year.”

Monetary donations to local food banks can be made online. Donations of non-perishable food items are also being accepted at any Shaw, Shaw Direct or Shaw Media location, food banks across the country and at many grocery stores across Canada.