The Niagara Region may have suffered unprecedented rainfall and flooding, but that won’t stop the community from coming together to support those in need.
Seven local radio stations- 105-1 The River and 101.1 More FM, owned by Byrnes Communications, 610 CKTB, 97.7 HZT FM, and Dream 105.7 owned by White Oaks Media, and 91.7 Giant FM and New Country 89.1 owned by My Broadcasting Corporation- banded together to dedicate the broadcast day in support of a Day of Giving, with the proceeds being directed towards FEED Niagara. In close partnership with the Niagara Community Foundation listeners were asked to donate to a special fund that will go to supporting the flood relief programs and long-term efforts of food banks in the affected areas.
Chris Byrnes the General Manager of 105-1 The River and 101.1 More FM, the driving force behind making this event happen, says “This is what local radio does best, we bring the community together and we make a difference in peoples lives when they need it the most. All 7 local radio stations joined forces and promoted this heavily on all the local stations on Wednesday.”
The community responded, and with donations still coming in Thursday morning the total now sits above $41,600. First Ontario Credit Union started the day with a commitment of $10,000 after seeing a story on CHCH News, and Turkstra Lumber soon reached out with a matching donation. The rest of the funds were generously donated by community members looking to help their friends and neighbours. “I was affected by the flooding twice, and it’s been a stressful and overwhelming experience.” said one donor, “Like many others, I learned my insurance coverage wasn’t what I thought it was. Thankfully, with the support of family and friends, and by working two jobs, I know I’ll be okay. I’d love to pay that kindness forward and help my neighbours and fellow residents who are still struggling. We’ve all been through a lot, and sometimes even a little bit of help, kindness, or support can mean so much.”
“It proves the importance of local radio” said Betty-Lou Souter, CEO of Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold, a FEED Niagara member. Her organization serves the area hardest hit by the storms. “These stations, which are independently owned, all came together to support the greater good. We are so grateful!”
“We knew the Niagara community would step up, but we’re blown away by the response” said David Vandersteen, Manager of FEED Niagara. “To see people affected by these storms, people dealing with their own recovery efforts, stepping up to support our programs and our member food banks is incredible. It’s what Niagara is all about, and we especially want to thank the Niagara Community Foundation for being so nimble and responsive, supporting this campaign on the back end and putting it together in record time.”