CJMR 1320’s annual radiothon in support of Seva Food Bank reached an incredible milestone this year. The 15th Annual Guru Nanak Gurpurab Radiothon brought the community together from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and raised more than $150,000 through over 400 pledges. The radiothon also collected 30,000 pounds of food to support families across Peel who continue to feel the impact of rising food insecurity. The support from listeners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders created a steady flow of generosity throughout the day.
Throughout the broadcast, CJMR hosts Dilbag Chawla, Arshdeep Chawla, Kuldip Deepak, Dr. Balwinder Singh, Sandeep Kaur, Sukhdev Gil, Navraj Grewal, and Davinder Bains brought stories, culture, and community voices to the air. Their passion kept the phones ringing and reminded listeners why Seva’s work matters. Some of the strongest moments of the day included more than 50 volunteers helping to manage calls and process pledges, a $20,000 gift from Mayor Carolyn Parrish, and supporters arriving at the station to drop off cheques and food donations. Every contribution added momentum and helped push the total higher.
I’m humbled each year by the amazing support our CJMR listeners provide to Seva Food Bank. A single broadcast day dedicated to the volunteers and team that partners with us in being good neighbours. The beautiful power of human connection amplified by radio. Congratulations to our hosts for their passionate efforts to broadcast our radiothon all day!
Food insecurity continues to rise in Peel and across Canada. Last year, Food Banks Mississauga recorded more than 503,000 visits. Families that once needed help a few times a year now rely on food banks every month. The funds and food collected during this year’s radiothon will help Seva provide nutritious hampers, culturally appropriate supports, and essential community programming to households that are feeling the strain.
Fifteen years of radiothons reflect a partnership built on trust, collaboration, and care. The day showed what radio can do when a community comes together with purpose. It also reflected the heart of CJMR and Seva’s long-standing work: connection in action.
Support for Seva does not end here. To learn how to give year-round, visit www.sevafoodbank.com.
