WOW Factor Media raises $50K for food bank after holding 24-hour fast

MOOSE JAW — Community businesses continue to show their support to the Moose Jaw and District Food Bank, with WOW Factor Media being the latest to contribute after holding a unique fundraiser.

The business collected $50,000 in pledges as part of a 24-hour fast held from Aug. 21 to 22, where 10 people took on the challenge of refraining from eating for a full day. The fundraiser saw Cargill and JGL each contribute $15,000 while the participants raised $20,000.

“It was good. It’s something I have never done before,” said Joel Pinel, partner with WOW Factor Media. “Near the end, it got tough.”

The group began its fast at 5 p.m. and, after skipping supper, slept for most of the fundraiser before returning to work the next day, he continued. The second day proved to be challenging because as people delivered pledges to the business, they also discussed food, which made the participants’ tummies grumble.

WOW Factor Media intends to hold the fasting fundraiser next year because of how successful it was, while it could turn the activity into an annual event, Pinel added. Also, many people who were unable to participate this year expressed the desire to step up next year.

The company chose the food bank because of how important the charity is to Moose Jaw and area, said Pinel. He noted that 40 per cent of food bank users are children, which pulled on employees’ heartstrings since many have families.

Furthermore, WOW Factor Media decided to act after hearing that the food bank was in a tough spot with increased expenses and increased clients, he continued.

Pinel added that the advertising agency appreciated the support that JGL and Cargill provided to the fasting fundraiser, while it was grateful to the volunteers who collected pledges.

In a social media post, the food bank expressed its appreciation for the money that WOW Factor Media collected.

“We are beyond grateful for your incredible dedication and skill in transforming the ‘Fasting for our Food Bank’ event into a phenomenal success,” the agency said. “You helped us reach new heights and achieve results that went beyond our expectations.

“Thank you (for) your remarkable contribution and for the amazing success together!”