This year, the firm is matching contributions to the campaign with a monetary equivalent of 100,000 meals
Toronto – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of Canadians in a myriad of ways, including an increase in food insecurity, challenging food banks to keep up with the demand and ability to deliver essential services to families across the country. To give back and support communities in need, BDO Canada launched the 14th annual Drive Away Hunger campaign with a goal to donate 1 million meals to food banks across Canada this year.
According to a COVID-19 crisis report published by Food Banks Canada, one-third of food banks across the country experience an increase in usage compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“At BDO Canada, we believe in supporting the local communities we serve from coast to coast,” said Pat Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, BDO Canada. “I am incredibly proud of our teams and communities for working towards a goal of donating 1 million meals particularly at a time when food banks need help more than ever.”
To date, BDO has donated over 6.4 million meals across Canada. This year, to celebrate BDO's centennial year, the firm will match contributions to the campaign with a monetary equivalent of 100,000 meals.
BDO employees have stepped up this year to make a difference. The virtual BDO Goes the Distance event on Sunday, September 12, 2021 encouraged employees to walk, run, wheel or paddle to raise money for the initiative, received extensive support. Bryndon Kydd, a partner in BDO's Vancouver office and National Cannabis Leader, took on the challenge by ascending double the elevation of Mount Everest on his mountain bike. Kydd completed 31 rides between July – September, totaling 369.24km on trails and forest roads. Together, more than 450 BDO partners and staff raised over $95,000.
For more information about the Drive Away Hunger campaign which runs until December 8, reach out to a local BDO office, or donate online on Giving Tuesday here.
About BDO
BDO is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our teams deliver a comprehensive range of assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services, complemented by emerging technology savvy and deep industry knowledge gained from nearly 100 years of being connected to local communities.
After years of national and international growth, our global BDO network positions us to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs. With over 88,000 people working out of more than 1,500 offices in over 167 countries, the network generates worldwide revenue approaching $10 billion.