Bimbo’s BGR spreads the love with donation of 2.8m slices of bread to those in need

This year’s race brought together runners in physical races in 24 cities across 17 countries. Numerous virtual races were also run - undertaken within the runner’s comfort space, but on the same day: 24 September.

Sadly, these figures are down from last year’s lineup of 150,000 runners and 34 participating countries, which resulted in 6 million slices of bread donated to foodbanks.

For Bimbo, however, no matter the number of participants, the race means sharing ‘all the good things about us’ by translating each kilometre run into bread.

What is the BGR?

The Bimbo Global Race is the largest race with a cause held worldwide. It's a family and inclusive event, encouraging everyone to participate in a 3k, 5k or 10k format, either physically or virtually (first introduced in 2020 to ensure it still took place in a COVID-stricken world).

The goal is to feed a better world, with 20 slices of bread donated for each runner registered for the physical race and 2 slices of bread for each user registered to the community. Since its formation in 2016, Bimbo has donated more than 16 million slices of bread to those in need around the globe.

The theme of the 2023 Bimbo Global Race was ‘The Good We Share’ to push home the message the joy that comes from sharing​ good times.

“We are very pleased to see that more than 120,000 people took to the streets to run, walk, and spend a day with their families and friends with a clear objective: to help those who need it most,” ​said Alberto Levy, global VP of Marketing for the Mexican bakery giant.

“Thanks to their participation, we will donate 2.8 million slices of bread worldwide. We are grateful to each participant who joined this great community to share the good and help us Nourish a Better World."​

The importance of giving back

A different host city is selected each year, with Toronto nabbing the honour this year - presented by Dempster’s - and welcoming more than 2,800 participants of all ages. This represents a donation of 56,000 slices of bread to four of the nation’s most prominent foodbanks - namely, North York Harvest Food Bank, Food Depot Alimentaire, Moisson Montreal and the Vancouver Food Bank - all of which are long-time Bimbo Canada partners.

“Hosting an event of this scale demonstrates our involvement in getting Canadians active and the importance of giving back to the communities where we live and work,”​ said Tania Goecke, VP of Marketing for Bimbo Canada.

“Thanks to our sponsors - Butterball, Muldoon’s Coffee, The Running Room and LA Fitness - the race participants got to enjoy delicious barbeque, tea and coffee, and had the chance to win fitness memberships.”​