The Calgary Food Bank isn’t waiting for hunger to worsen. They’ve launched a new 50/50 raffle that could put up to $75,000 in a lucky Albertan’s pocket while feeding thousands of struggling families across the city.
“We’re seeing more working families than ever before,” explains Melissa From, the food bank’s chief development officer. “People with jobs who still can’t make ends meet are coming through our doors for the first time.”
The “Put the Boots to Hunger” 50/50 raffle comes at a critical moment. Last month alone, the food bank supported over 37,000 people—a staggering 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year. These aren’t just statistics; they represent real Calgarians facing impossible choices between paying rent or buying groceries.
Walking through the warehouse on a Tuesday morning, I watched volunteers pack emergency hampers with precision. Each carefully assembled box contains about $100 worth of food, designed to support a family for seven to ten days. The operation runs with remarkable efficiency, but the demand keeps growing.
“The beauty of this raffle is that it lets Calgarians help their neighbors while potentially winning big themselves,” says James McAra, CEO of the Calgary Food Bank. “Every ticket directly supports our emergency food hamper program.”
The food bank has partnered with the Calgary Stampeders Football Club for this initiative. It’s not their first collaboration—the Stamps have supported hunger relief efforts since 1992, collecting food donations at home games and raising over $5 million through various campaigns.
Stampeders president John Hufnagel believes the partnership makes perfect sense. “Our fans care deeply about this community. The 50/50 gives them another way to make a difference while connecting with the team they love.”
What makes this fundraiser particularly impactful is the food bank’s impressive financial efficiency. For every dollar donated, they can distribute $5 worth of food through their network. This multiplier effect means even small contributions translate into substantial support for families in crisis.
The raffle’s timing coincides with what food bank workers call “the summer slump”—when donations typically decrease but need remains high. School breakfast and lunch programs pause during summer months, placing additional strain on households with children.
“Many people don’t realize that summer can be harder than Christmas for families with limited resources,” notes From. “When kids are home all day, food costs increase dramatically.”
Beyond simply providing calories, the food bank focuses on nutritional quality. Each hamper contains fresh produce, protein options, and staple items selected by dietitians. This approach recognizes that food security isn’t just about having enough—it’s about having the right foods to maintain health and dignity.
The organization’s warehouse on 11th Avenue SE processes over 14 million pounds of food annually. Inside, pallets of donations stand alongside carefully sorted emergency supplies. The scale is impressive, but staff insist more is needed as inflation continues pushing grocery costs beyond what many families can afford.
Recent Statistics Canada data reveals grocery prices in Alberta have risen nearly 9 percent over the past year, outpacing many wage increases. The result? Families who previously donated to the food bank now find themselves needing assistance.
“We’re seeing teachers, healthcare workers, and trades people among our clients,” says McAra. “The face of hunger in Calgary has changed.”
Tickets for the raffle start at $10 for 10 entries, with options up to $100 for 500 entries. The jackpot grows with each purchase until the August 17 draw date, which coincides with a Stampeders home game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Beyond the immediate financial impact, food bank leadership hopes the raffle creates lasting awareness about food insecurity in a city often known for its prosperity.
“Calgary has always been generous during crises,” From reflects. “But hunger isn’t a one-time emergency for many families—it’s an ongoing reality that requires sustained community support.”
For the winners, the prize could be life-changing. For thousands of Calgarians who rely on the food bank’s services, the funds raised might mean the difference between going hungry and having enough to eat this summer.
As I left the warehouse, volunteers were loading hampers into vehicles for families waiting outside. A young mother with two children thanked the staff quietly. This is the reality behind the raffle numbers—real people finding hope in their community’s generosity.
Tickets can be purchased through the Calgary Food Bank’s website until August 17th. Winners don’t need to be present at the game to claim their prize.
