Beedie Concert Raises Record $2.5 Million for Food Bank

A recent concert organized by Ryan Beedie and his wife, Cindy Beedie, at Stanley Park raised a remarkable $2.5 million for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB). This achievement, reported by Ryan Beedie on August 23, 2023, surpassed the previous record of $2 million raised during a concert in 2022. This year’s concert featured performances from renowned bands including Def Leppard, drawing an audience of approximately 3,000 attendees.

The concert raised about $1.15 million from ticket sales and donations, which Ryan Beedie matched to reach the total of $2.5 million. Notable contributions included a generous donation from Chip Wilson, founder of Lululemon, though the specific amount was not disclosed. Other significant donors included Steven Dean, executive chair of Artemis Gold Inc., who contributed $50,000, and Andrew Booth, CFO of AbCellera, who donated $25,000. Several attendees also made substantial contributions, with individuals such as Garry Zlotnick and Jeff Fuller each giving $10,000.

Beedie underscored his long-standing commitment to the GVFB, noting that the organization’s transparency in how donations are utilized makes it a clear choice for philanthropy. “You can see it in your head that the money is going to feed people. It’s going to feed kids. It’s going to not just feed them, but feed them healthy, nutritious meals,” he stated. The GVFB publicly discloses its financial activities, revealing that last year it generated $41,582,927 in funds, distributing $35,165,151 of that amount.

According to GVFB CEO David Long, the organization relies heavily on public and corporate donations, with only $1,560,027 of its revenue coming from foundations and government grants. “A $2.5 million donation is absolutely massive for us,” Long stated, emphasizing the importance of these contributions in maintaining their operations.

The concert, held at the iconic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, featured several musical acts. The main stage showcased headliner Def Leppard, along with performances from Foster The People, The Beaches, The Hooters, and Chilliwack. A secondary stage hosted additional bands, including Toque and Garret T. Willie. This year’s event continued a tradition that began in 2016 when Beedie hosted concerts to express gratitude to employees and tenants.

Originally conceived as a simple company picnic, the concert series has evolved into a significant philanthropic venture. Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the next concert until September 2021, when The Killers headlined, followed by Bryan Adams in 2023. Beedie plans to host the next concert in 2027, continuing his commitment to support the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and the community at large.

The GVFB has also explored innovative initiatives to enhance its fundraising efforts, such as converting donated apples into apple juice, which is sold in grocery stores. The profits from this venture are used to support logistics and exchange surplus food with other food banks.

This substantial fundraising effort not only highlights the generosity of the community but also reinforces the importance of organizations like the Greater Vancouver Food Bank in addressing food insecurity.