Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse raises 253,000 meals for Waterloo region residents facing food insecurity

Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, addresses guests at the second annual Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse fundraising event on April 25.

Waterloo Region, Ont., April 27, 2026 – As demand for food assistance remains at record levels across Waterloo region, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region is sharing the impact of its signature fundraising event, Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse, which raised 253,000 meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the community.

“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse and gave so generously,” says Kim Wilhelm, CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. “Because of that support, 61 organizations in our Community Food Assistance Network can continue providing nutritious food to nearly 73,000 adults and children across the region who rely on that support. It shows what’s possible when a community comes together.”

Held on April 25 at The Food Bank’s distribution centre in Kitchener, the second annual event welcomed more than 200 guests for an evening of whisky and wine tastings and giving back. Emceed by Leighanne Evans of CTV Kitchener, the event featured a range of fundraising opportunities, including a bottle pull and silent and live auctions. The live auction, featuring items and experiences donated by local businesses, was led by Dub Stenning of Fripp Auctions. In total, the event raised more than $126,600 to support The Food Bank and local families.

Guests also supported the expansion of The Food Bank’s hamper delivery service, which helps reach individuals and families who may not be able to access a hamper program in person. From the total amount raised, $29,000 will support this work. To contribute, visit thefoodbank.ca/whiskywine or call 519.743.5576.

“For some individuals and families, accessing a hamper program in person isn’t always possible,” adds Wilhelm. “These funds allow us to reach more people in ways that work for them, so they can access the food they need with dignity.”

The need for food assistance in Waterloo region continues to grow. Last year, there were nearly 622,000 visits to in-person food hamper programs—a 205 per cent increase since 2019 and the highest number ever recorded. In addition, The Food Bank’s hamper delivery service supports an average of 38 deliveries each week.

“That’s why events like this matter,” adds Wilhelm. “They help us keep up with demand while building awareness and support across the community. We’re grateful for the generosity behind this event and look forward to building on its success next year.”

Whisky & Wine in the Warehouse was made possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of sponsors—Stecho Electric, BDO, BMW Grand River, Brigus Learning, and Strassburger Windows and Doors—media sponsors, CTV Kitchener, Bounce Radio, Virgin Radio, and in-kind supporters, Costco Waterloo, Space at Hand Storage, and W Design Co.

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 9.6 million pounds of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable food to 61 organizations within the Community Food Assistance Network. Learn more at thefoodbank.ca.

Follow/like us on social

#WhiskyWine
Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Bluesky, Pinterest: @FoodBankWatReg
LinkedIn/YouTube: @FoodBankWaterlooRegion

Media contact

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