A unique fundraiser was held at Chinook Centre on Tuesday to remind Calgarians that the holidays are fast approaching and there is still a great need for donations to the local food bank.

Staff from Brookfield Residential and Chinook Centre worked together to build a domino course made up of 4600 items that were stacked end-to-end in the centre of the mall.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about a bunch of things that are going on and the fact that hunger is still an issue in our city and it’s a way for us to do it and have a lot of fun,” said Morissa Choptain, from the Calgary Food Bank. “Especially as months get colder, we are seeing an increase in our client demand and Calgary is a generous city so we’re able to meet that demand and it’s events like this that we can kind of remind the city that we’re still here and Christmas is a busy time and to continue making donations.”

Crews started setting up the course at 5:00 a.m. and used items that are on the Food Bank’s wish list.

“Kraft Dinner and cereal and they put together this amazing piece that of course represents stopping hunger and bringing awareness to some of the hunger issues that we have here in Calgary,” said Shawna Ogston, from the Calgary Food Bank.

Hundreds of Stove Top Stuffing boxes were stacked at the end of the chain and when they were toppled over, they revealed the message to stop hunger.

 “Hunger is a year round problem but we do see an increase in the winter and fall months. Of course, because the heater's on now, a lot of seasonal jobs and unfortunately there is an increased demand for food hampers,” said Ogston.

The most needed items at the food bank include:

  • Baby diapers sizes 3, 4, 5 and 6
  • Baby Formula with Iron
  • Baby Food (jars)
  • Fruit juice (1 litre)
  • Pasta
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Peanut Butter
  • Canned Beans
  • Canned Fish
  • Rice
  • Canned Meat
  • Canned Fruit
  • Canned Tomatoes
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Pull-top meals and soups
  • Canned or dry lentils

Gluten-free items are also needed and include:

  • Pancake mix
  • Biscuit Mix
  • Soups
  • Rice
  • Corn pasta
  • Cookies
  • Crackers
  • Cereal

For more information on food donations, visit the Calgary Food Bank website.