Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport donates $25,000 to kick off holiday season donation drive

Since first partnering with Daily Bread in 2023, Billy Bishop Airport’s support has resulted in 67,300 meals distributed to individuals and families in need. The partnership between Billy Bishop Airport and Daily Bread Food Bank reflects a shared belief that small actions, when multiplied by many, can drive lasting change. As with previous years, travelers passing through the airport this holiday season can contribute donations directly by scanning QR codes on digital signage throughout the terminal.

“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is about connection—not only for travelers and businesses, but also for our neighbours,” says Jennifer Quinn, CEO of Nieuport Aviation. “The need for support is especially great this time of year, and we invite visitors to the airport to join us in donating by scanning the QR code on digital signage found throughout the airport.”

“We are deeply committed to supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank through annual donations and volunteer service. At the airport, our mission is to connect people with opportunity, but rising hunger in our city is preventing too many from reaching their potential,” says RJ Steenstra, President and CEO of PortsToronto. “By standing alongside Daily Bread Food Bank, we are not only addressing immediate needs, but also helping build stronger, more resilient communities. This is not just about giving during the holidays—it’s about ensuring dignity, hope and opportunity every single day.”

“We’re incredibly grateful to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and their patrons for once again stepping up to support our neighbours facing hunger. Partnerships like this remind us of the power of community and collective action,” says Neil Hetherington, CEO of the Daily Bread Food Bank. “Together, we’re making sure that more Torontonians can have a warm, nutritious meal this holiday season.”

Hunger is becoming harder to escape, and people are relying on food banks more often and for longer periods of time. According to the Daily Bread’s Who’s Hungry 2025 report:  

• Between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, food bank visits reached an all-time high of over 4.1 million (4,124,313) — 635,962 more than the previous year and a 340% increase since before the pandemic.

• Over the same time period, more than 1 in 10 Torontonians relied on food banks, as compared to just 1 in 20 in 2022.  

• In the past year, 112,554 new clients visited food banks for the first time.

• For the first time since 2020, the majority of visits (59%, up from 47% last year) came from returning clients rather than new ones.

• Food bank use has become more frequent: More than half (54%) of survey respondents visited food banks three or more times a month, up from 43% last year.

For more information, and to support the Daily Bread Food Bank, click here: https://www.dailybread.ca/.  

Media Contact:

Ryan White

Senior Manager, Communications and Community Programs

Nieuport Aviation

ryan.white@nieuport.com

Claire Pfeiffer  

Senior Manager, Communications

PortsToronto

CPfeiffer@portstoronto.com

Cassie Lueders

Senior Development Officer, Corporate and Community Partnerships

Daily Bread Food Bank

clueders@dailybread.ca

About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport 

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada’s largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon.  Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy. Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council International–North America’s Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by PortsToronto. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates the airport’s complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at www.billybishopairport.com.    

About Daily Bread

Since 1983, the Daily Bread Food Bank has been working to end hunger in our city — meeting immediate needs while advocating for long-term solutions to end poverty. From its 108,000 sq. ft. distribution hub in Etobicoke, the Daily Bread supports a network of 214 programs across Toronto. Through its Research and Advocacy work, the Daily Bread collaborates with partners across the sector to advance everyone’s right to food and drive meaningful policy change.