Make Space for Giving: The 5th Annual Make Space Storage Holiday Food Drive

The holidays are a time when many of us gather with family, share meals and reflect on the year. But for far too many people across Canada, the season brings something very different. Rising food costs and record demand have forced more families than ever to turn to food banks just to get by, and at the same time, donations have not kept up, leaving food banks under enormous pressure.

In just one month this year, food banks in Canada recorded more than 2.2 million visits, the highest number ever seen. Nearly 80 percent of food banks are now having to purchase food in order to meet demand, something that used to be rare. And perhaps the most heartbreaking statistic of all — one in three people who will rely on a food bank this holiday season will be a child.

It is a crisis happening in every province, every city and every neighbourhood. That is why Make Space Storage is once again stepping up to make a difference. 

From November 1 to December 15, the company will host its 5th Annual Holiday Food Drive, supporting Food Banks Canada and dozens of local food banks across the communities where Make Space operates. The goal this year is to raise $45,000 in financial donations and collect as many non perishable food items as possible to support families facing hunger this winter. Continuing a favourite tradition, Make Space Storage will once again match all financial donations up to $20,000, helping every gift go twice as far.

Last year, Make Space Storage team members, customers and community partners helped raise and contribute  $44,000, up from $36,500 the year before. Every year the support grows and this year the hope is to do even more. 

Why This Food Drive Matters

Food insecurity in Canada is no longer a temporary hardship for a small number of households. It has become a harsh and ongoing reality for millions. Food Banks Canada reports that demand has doubled in just six years, and for the first time in the organization’s history, food banks are spending more money on food than they are receiving through donations.

Financial donations have become especially critical. While food items are always appreciated, food banks can stretch dollars further by purchasing items in bulk or filling specific gaps in supply.

Through Food Banks Canada, one dollar provides two meals for someone in need. That means even a small donation can make a real difference. Five dollars can help feed a parent and child. A single can of soup or tuna may not feel like a lot, but to someone choosing between groceries and rent, it can mean everything. And with Make Space matching the first $20,000 in financial donations, those meals multiply even faster.

The Make Space Storage Holiday Food Drive is rooted in a belief that generosity does not need to be grand to be meaningful. Every act of giving matters.

About Make Space Cares

The Holiday Food Drive is part of Make Space Cares, the company’s community giving program that supports local causes across Canada throughout the year. It reflects the company’s belief that being part of a community means showing up for it, especially when times are hard

How the Holiday Food Drive Works

Between November 1 and December 15, every Make Space Storage location across Canada will be accepting both cash and non perishable food donations.

• Financial donations will support Food Banks Canada. Donations can be made online or in person.
• Food donations will stay in the local community, supporting nearby food banks and food security programs.

The most needed items typically include canned proteins, soups, pasta, rice, baby food, peanut butter, and other staple foods. Many food banks also see increased demand for hygiene supplies like diapers, toothpaste and shampoo.

No donation is too small. Whether someone contributes five dollars, one can of chili, or an entire grocery bag of food, it all adds up to something powerful.

Community Spotlight

In addition to in facility donations, several community events throughout the campaign will help boost collection efforts and raise awareness. More details will be shared soon, but here is a look at what is coming up:

Agape Table Fundraiser — Winnipeg, MB

Make Space Storage will be supporting Agape Table, a long standing community meal program dedicated to providing accessible, nutritious food to people in need. This year’s initiative will include both food collection and financial support.

Date: December 13 & 14 
Location: Outside Save-on-Foods at Kildonan place mall

December 6th Estevan Bears Game — Estevan, SK

As part of Make Space Storage’s billet sponsorship with the Estevan Bears, fans will be encouraged to bring non perishable items to the arena in support of the Holiday Food Drive. Bring a food item or make a donation and you'll be entered to win a Yeti product!

Game Date: December 6th 

Additional events will be shared on social media throughout the campaign.

How You Can Help

There are three simple ways to support the Holiday Food Drive:

1.Donate Food

Drop off non perishable items at any Make Space Storage facility from Nov 1 to Dec 15.

2. Donate Money

Make a financial contribution online or in person. Make Space Storage will match every dollar donated, up to $20,000. You can donate to any of our four teams here: DONATE HERE.

3. Spread the Word

Share the campaign with friends, neighbours, colleagues or community groups. The more people who know, the more families we can help.

A Season of Giving

Five years ago, the first Make Space Storage Holiday Food Drive began with one simple goal: make space for giving. It started small but has grown into a company wide tradition that unites employees, customers and communities from coast to coast.

Every can, every dollar and every act of kindness is a reminder that even in difficult times, compassion is still stronger than hardship. When people come together, hope grows.

This year, Make Space Storage is inviting everyone to help make the season brighter for families who need support. With rising food costs and record demand, the need has never been greater. But neither has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Whether you donate a little or a lot, you are helping make sure that no one is forgotten this holiday season.

Together, we can fill shelves, support neighbours and make space for kindness.