For the third consecutive year, The CORE Shopping Centre has partnered with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) to shine a spotlight on the growing issue of food insecurity affecting thousands of children in Calgary.
Centered around the theme “Learn the Facts. Take Action. A Caring Community in Action,” this year’s initiative features an interactive display and community donation drive to spark meaningful conversations, dispel common myths and amplify the voices of local families navigating food insecurity, according to a news release.
Throughout the month of May, The CORE Shopping Centre invites visitors to engage with an interactive pop-up display that highlights the vital work of Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK). Designed to raise awareness about food insecurity in Calgary, the installation empowers visitors to take meaningful action by learning about the challenges faced by families and kids in our city. To further enrich the experience, BB4CK volunteers will be on-site during lunchtime activations throughout the campaign, distributing signature Brown Bag postcards, answering questions and encouraging participation in the display. To maximize the campaign’s impact, long-time BB4CK partner ARC Resources Ltd. will generously match all monetary donations made throughout the campaign, up to a total of $50,000,” it said.
“This display is a way to bring the conversation out into the open. Brown Bagging It Month is about increasing awareness about food insecurity and the work we, as a community, do to support over 7,800 kids every school day,” said Stephanie Gauthier, Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids Executive Director. “Our partnership with The CORE gives us the chance to bring those conversations into a public space in a meaningful way — right in the heart of the city.”
Officials say shoppers looking to make a direct and meaningful impact are encouraged to donate kid-friendly snack items at the designated collection area on Level 2 of The CORE Shopping Centre.
“These donations will support BB4CK’s School Lunch and Summer Programs, providing nourishment to children who would otherwise go without. Adding a fun and creative twist, The CORE’s retail tenants will participate in a Brown Bag Decoration Contest, each receiving a plain brown bag to artistically express what community, food or kindness means to them. Designs will be showcased on social media, and the winning design will be featured in a dedicated post on BB4CK’s Instagram,” they say.
“What began as Brown Bagging It Day — a national day celebrated each year on May 25 — has grown into a month-long movement, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with this amazing organization,” said Kaitlan Caldwell, Marketing Manager at The CORE Shopping Centre. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the pop-up, share in the fun activities and rally even more support through our donation drive!”
The CORE is located in the heart of downtown Calgary along Stephen Avenue. It has four levels and 600,000 square feet of retailers, restaurants, services, and events space.
Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids (BB4CK) is a community-funded charity dedicated for over 30 years to ensuring kids in our city have access to the food they need to thrive. Together with its BB4CK community – volunteers, parents, school staff, and donors – it connects kids to food through the school lunch program, summer camps, and by supporting families with grocery cards. It is committed to providing low-barrier, dignified access to food, ensuring kids feel cared for and supported by their community.
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