Calgarians are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving Monday with a free community walk and dance party that supports the Calgary Food Bank. The event, called theWALK.ca, features a five-kilometre walk along the Bow River starting at 10 a.m., followed by the "POWER hour" dance party at Eau Claire Plaza from 11 a.m. to noon. The family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to walk at their own pace.

Founded in 2023 by Calgary partners Doug and Paul Lavoie, the annual tradition has raised more than $705,000 for the Calgary Food Bank in just two years. "Thanksgiving is about community, gratitude and generosity," Doug Lavoie said. "We wanted to create something joyful and unifying that directly helps Calgarians who need it most." This year's event is expected to be the largest yet, featuring food trucks, live music, community activations and a performance of the national anthem by the Calgary Men's Chorus.

The fundraiser comes at a critical time for the food bank, which is heading into the holiday season with urgent shortages of peanut butter, canned tomatoes, pasta, nut-free snacks and diapers in sizes four and six. Registration is free at theWALK.ca, with donations encouraged to help Calgarians facing food insecurity.