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Food Banks Canada website crashes under overwhelming support during COVID-19 benefit concert

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As some of Canada’s biggest celebrities joined forces on Sunday, as part of the Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble benefit concert, Canadians came out in force with donations and support.

The Food Banks Canada website crashed during the very event put on to help raise money for it – though donations can still be made by phone or by text.

“Canada, you’re amazing,” the organization said in a tweet Sunday. “The @foodbankscanada website has crashed under the weight of your generosity.”

The 90-minute-special, commercial-free concert, featured music, messages of hope, and support from artists, actors and athletes across the country. Among the big names to join in were Celine Dion, Ryan Reynolds, and Justin Bieber, with many of those taking part sharing inspiring stories during this difficult time.

“Thirty-seven-million strong, this is the most important Team Canada I have ever played on,” Canadian former hockey player and Olympic champion Hayley Wickenheiser, who has been a driving force in securing Personal Protective Equipment for those in need during the pandemic, said during the concert.

It also featured stories from people who battled the virus themselves.

The goal was to raise money for Food Banks Canada’s $150-million campaign to provide immediate support to food banks from coast-to-coast during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crisis has left thousands of Canadians unemployed and battling food insecurity – some for the very first time. Food banks across the country are trying to meet that increased demand.

According to HungerCount 2019, an annual report released by Food Banks Canada, Canadians already made more than one million visits to food banks every month prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

Food banks across the country are asking for help to continue feeding Canadians and make sure no one goes hungry during this pandemic.

Despite the website being down, Food Banks Canada is reminding Canadians donations can still be made by phone or by text.

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