Episode premieres Thursday, September 19 at 9pm ET/PT
TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2013 /CNW/ - Food Banks Canada is excited to be the featured organization on W Network's Undercover Boss Canada. The episode follows Executive Director, Katharine Schmidt as she travels across Canada to learn more about local food banks and meet some extraordinary local heroes in those communities.
In the episode, airing on W Network on Thursday, September 19 at 9pm ET/PT, Katharine Schmidt visits four participating food banks and food programs: Richmond Food Bank Society, BC, Saskatoon Food Bank Learning Centre, SK, Blue Door Soup Kitchen (Sudbury), ON and The Mississauga Food Bank, ON. Schmidt learns of the challenges food banks are facing, the important work they are involved in, and the remarkable personal stories of the individuals Ms. Schmidt spends time with.
"The opportunity to be on Undercover Boss Canada was a truly gratifying experience as it offered an excellent opportunity to be reminded firsthand how food banks are, with very limited resources, assisting Canadians in need and to work with dedicated individuals striving to alleviate hunger every day", says Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director, Food Banks Canada.
According to Food Banks Canada's HungerCount 2012, collectively food banks in Canada assist close to 900,000 people every month - 38% of whom are children and youth. There are over 800 food banks supporting 3,000 food programs - with organizations supporting communities in every province and territory.
"We are thrilled by the surprise that we are a part of this opportunity to showcase the work of food banks and extraordinary people who make up our organization", says Christopher Hatch, Executive Director, The Mississauga Food Bank. "Undercover Boss Canada has provided us with a unique opportunity to highlight the need that exists across our city and the teamwork involved that allows us to distribute over 2.8 million meals annually."
Food Banks Canada is encouraging families across the country to watch the season opener and learn about the hunger in Canada and how their own contribution of food, funds or volunteering at their local food bank can positively impact the community.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across the country. We support a membership of 10 provincial associations and over 480 food banks. We work to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow for the close to 900,000 Canadians who are assisted by a food bank each month. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.
About Undercover Boss Canada
Undercover Boss Canada is based on the format devised by Studio Lambert, part of the ALL3MEDIA group of companies. Undercover Boss has been seen in over 175 territories to date through sales of the UK and USA show and as a format sale - ALL3MEDIA International will also take responsibility for marketing the Canadian show to other broadcasters internationally.
About W Network
Watched by over 10 million viewers in an average month, W Network delivers compelling entertainment for women, ranging from blockbuster movies to popular dramas and lifestyle series. W has built a leadership position as "marketing to women experts" through its various research initiatives, including The Her Report.
SOURCE: Food Banks Canada
Media contacts:
Marzena Gersho
Director, Communications and National Programs
Food Banks Canada
647-242-5919 (mobile) or
(416) 203-9241 ext. 228 (office)
[email protected]
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