Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse raises 178,000 meals for people experiencing food insecurity in Waterloo region

Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse took place at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s distribution centre in Kitchener on May 3, 2025.

Waterloo Region, Ont., May 7, 2025 – The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is thrilled to announce that its first-ever Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse event raised a remarkable 178,000 meals (and counting) for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the community.

Held on Saturday, May 3, at The Food Bank’s distribution centre in Kitchener, the brand-new event welcomed more than 200 guests for an evening of whisky and wine tastings, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful giving. Through ticket sales and various fundraising activities—including a raffle, bottle pull, and silent and live auctions—attendees helped raise more than $75,000 for The Food Bank and neighbours in need.

“I’m so thankful to everyone—individuals and businesses alike—who came out to support Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “Because of their generosity, we can keep providing nutritious food to the more than 73,600 people in Waterloo region who count on the Community Food Assistance Network for support.”

Event emcee Mike Farwell, host of The Mike Farwell Show on 570 News, also invited guests to support a critical need: purchasing a new delivery truck for The Food Bank. From the total amount raised, $31,500 has been allocated for this purpose. To support this initiative, visit thefoodbank.ca/whiskywine and select ‘donations’ from the top menu or contact The Food Bank at 519.743.5576.

“Our trucks are out on the road five days a week, crisscrossing Waterloo region to deliver food to 54 amazing organizations that help people directly,” says Wilhelm. “But as more and more people need support, it’s putting extra pressure on our fleet. A new truck means we can move food faster, farther, and more efficiently—so we can keep up with the growing demand in our community.”

The demand for food assistance has reached the highest level in The Food Bank’s 41-year history, with one in eight households in Waterloo region struggling to afford food. Just three years ago, that number was one in 20.

Wilhelm adds, “That’s why events like this are so important. They not only raise vital funds to help feed our neighbours in need but also increase awareness about food insecurity in Waterloo region. We look forward to building on this momentum to make an even greater impact next year.”

Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse was made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of sponsors, TRH Plumbing and Heating and Blendtek.

About The Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Founded in 1984, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region (The Food Bank) was the first organization of its kind in Ontario dedicated to providing emergency food. Forty-one years after its incorporation, The Food Bank continues to evolve to meet the community’s needs, ensuring that no one in Waterloo region experiences hunger. As a distribution centre, The Food Bank distributes more than 8.9 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 54 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

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Media contact

Michelle Rickard
Manager, Marketing and Communications
The Food Bank of Waterloo Region
micheller@thefoodbank.ca