Built on Western Roots. Driven by Community.
The Brakemen Foundation brings people together through fundraising, partnerships and unforgettable community events to help children get the nutrition and support they need to thrive.
2012
FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED
100%
VOLUNTEER-LED
2016
ZERO HUNGRY KIDS CREATED
2026
ZHK REGISTERED CHARITY
OUR STORY
Built on community from the beginning.
The Brakemen Foundation was established in 2012 with a simple belief: bringing people together can create meaningful change in the communities we call home.
For more than a decade, Brakemen has created charitable events, corporate experiences and grassroots fundraisers that bring businesses, friends, volunteers and community supporters together around causes that matter.
In 2016, Brakemen created Zero Hungry Kids to focus that momentum on childhood hunger. In 2026, Zero Hungry Kids became a registered charity — strengthening the platform for programs such as Fill the Fridge and future growth.
The experiences have evolved. The purpose has never changed.
OUR EVOLUTION
More than a decade of community impact.
Brakemen has grown from a grassroots nonprofit into an established community fundraising organization while creating a dedicated charitable platform for childhood nutrition.
2012 — Brakemen Begins
The Brakemen Foundation is established to support children and families in Calgary and surrounding communities.
2016 — Zero Hungry Kids
Brakemen creates Zero Hungry Kids to focus its impact on childhood hunger and school-day nutrition.
2026 — Registered Charity
Zero Hungry Kids becomes a registered charity, creating a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.
Today — Still Building
Signature experiences, community events, partnerships and Fill the Fridge continue moving the mission forward.
Experiences built to make an impact.
HOW BRAKEMEN BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
Brakemen fundraising is not built around one type of event. We create distinctive experiences for companies, supporters and the broader community — then turn that participation into support for causes that matter.
CALGARY STAMPEDE
Ten nights. One unforgettable Calgary experience.
Each July, Brakemen brings corporate partners, clients and guests together around the chuckwagons, western hospitality and one of Calgary’s most iconic traditions.
From behind-the-scenes access around the barns to the energy of race night, the experience creates a memorable way for companies to connect with their people while supporting the work of Brakemen.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Original Brakemen experiences built to return.
Celebrity Chef Showdown, Honky Tonk Olympics and Runway for Tomorrow each have their own identity, audience and growing place in the Brakemen story.
Explore Signature Events →
SPECIAL FUNDRAISERS & COLLABORATIONS
Good ideas do not all need the same format.
One-off fundraisers, collaborations and new concepts give Brakemen room to try something different without forcing every idea into the signature-event lineup.
See How We Build Events →
OUR FLAGSHIP CHARITY
Zero Hungry Kids
No child should have to learn on an empty stomach.
Created by Brakemen in 2016 • Registered Charity since 2026
Zero Hungry Kids was created by The Brakemen Foundation to turn community support into practical action for children who need it.
Through programs such as Fill the Fridge, schools can provide fresh milk and essential nutrition directly where children spend their day — making nutritious food available when it is needed.
