About The Canathon

TV6 Canathon Background

The TV6 Canathon began in 1982 with about 700 pounds of food being donated to help the local food pantries that first year. Since that time the annual donations have increased dramatically with over 136,000 pounds of food being donated in 10 Upper Michigan Counties. In 2019 the TV6 Canathon exceeded a milestone for the grand total of the event since inception by exceeding the 4 million pound mark of food donated to local food pantries.

TV6 Canathon Background

The continued success can be attributed to several factors. One of the most important is the partnerships we have developed over the years. Those partners include: WYKX/WDBC in Delta County, Y101 in Ontonagon County, Eagle Radio in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, St. Vincent DePaul in Iron County, plus the Good Neighbor Food Pantry/St Vincent DePaul/Christ Fellowship Ministries in Schoolcraft County, the City of Ironwood (Bob Tervonen) and the Cities of Wakefield and Bessemer (Richard Brackney & Susan Ahonen) in Gogebic County, also in Gogebic County is WIMI/WJMS radio who are assisting with the event, WJNR/WOBE/WHTO in Dickinson and Iron Counties, the student group “Marquette Ending Hunger” on Northern Michigan University’s campus and Media Brew Communications in Marquette County.

The continued success can be attributed to several factors. One of the most important is the partnerships we have developed over the years with a number of local organizations and radio stations. In 2019, those partners include: United Steelworkers Locals 4950 & 4974, WYKX/WDBC in Delta County, Y101 in Ontonagon County, Eagle Radio in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, The Munising News in Alger County, St. Vincent DePaul in Iron County, plus the Good Neighbor Food Pantry/St Vincent DePaul/Christ Fellowship Ministries in Schoolcraft County, the City of Ironwood (Bob Tervonen) and the Cities of Wakefield and Bessemer (Richard Brackney & Susan Ahonen) in Gogebic County, also in Gogebic County is WIMI/WJMS radio who are assisting with the event, WJNR/WOBE/WHTO in Dickinson and Iron Counties, and the student group “Marquette Ending Hunger” on Northern Michigan University’s campus.

Another factor that helps in a big way to make the TV6 Canathon such a success is the involvement of over 75 schools throughout Upper Michigan. From Elementary schools, to Middle and High schools, to local Colleges and Universities, students of all ages pitch in to collect much needed food for their local food pantries. Plus, we had have over 350 drop off points established throughout 10 Upper Michigan Counties thanks to the local business communities.

All food collected in a community through the TV6 Canathon stays there to “help feed a hungry neighbor.” Once the food is collected, it is distributed through St. Vincent DePaul Society and Salvation Army food banks and food pantries affiliated with various local churches.

Another factor that helps in a big way to make the TV6 Canathon such a success is the involvement of over 75 schools throughout Upper Michigan. From Elementary schools, to Middle and High schools, to local Colleges and Universities, students of all ages pitch in to collect much needed food for their local food pantries. Plus, we have over 300 drop off points established throughout 10 Upper Michigan Counties thanks to the local business communities.