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From L-R Daisy Escoto - Kidney Care Manager and Christina Russell - Kidney Care and Development Coordinator. (Image Credit: rdnewsNOW staff)
BIG 105 and 106.7 Rewind Radio

Chili Cook-Off by local radio stations raise over $1,800 for The Kidney Foundation

Jul 16, 2026 | 4:52 PM

BIG 105 and 106.7 Rewind Radio’s Chili Cook-off was a resounding success.

On Thursday, they raised $1,840 that will go directly to support The Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Promotions director and BIG 105.5 ‘Big Breakfast’ co-host, B, said the cook-off, which took place in the parking lot of Save-On-Foods, has been going on for nearly 20 years.

Roughly 400 people attended this year, and nine teams participated in the event.

“I’d say it’s one of our biggest years we’ve had since I’ve been here, so it was a great turnout,” she said.

The best-tasting chili award was presented to S & L Farms, which also tied for fan favourite with T-Jay Enterprises for their unique mango chipotle chili. T-Jay Enterprises also won the best team booth.

The most unique ingredient this year went to Cycle Works Red Deer for putting Takis chips and Monster Energy in their recipe.

“S & L Farms ended up making a kids’ chili, which was the first year we’ve had a kids’ chili in the event, so that was pretty neat,” she added. “We had our friends here from IG Wealth, and they made a delicious Dark Woods Coffee, which was amazing.”

S&L Farms won best tasting chili and tied for fan favourite chili alongside T-Jay Enterprises.
S&L Farms won best tasting chili and tied for fan favourite chili alongside T-Jay Enterprises. (Image Credit: rdnewsNOW staff)

B said the station loves being able to support an amazing organization like The Kidney Foundation.

“It’s just great to have everyone show up, all in support of the foundation. We get to meet people, talk to people, and it just means so much to see the support we see every year. Especially after last year, when we ended up having to cancel it at the last minute. It’s amazing to see such a great turnout this year.”

B said they’d like to make the event even bigger and better for next year, so if anyone has any ideas, let her know.


(Image Credit: rdnewsNOW staff)

Daisy Escoto, kidney care manager with The Kidney Foundation, said this year it felt like there were more people than in previous years.

“We got to chat with more people, and people were very enthusiastic to know that the support was going to The Kidney Foundation, and I learned a lot of the participants returned from other years, so that was super cool,” Escoto said. “It was a really great day.”

Escoto explained the foundation covers from Red Deer all the way up to the Northwest Territories and offers several programs for folks who are on their kidney and transplant journey.

They have financial programs, she said, that can step in and support people with groceries, gas, medication payments, and things that can help individuals maintain kidney health. She said that with how costly everything is, these supports seem to go a long way.

They also have peer support and networking opportunities, so people can feel connected and not alone during their journey.

“It’s amazing to see how supportive people are. It’s a very warm day, so having people come out and eat chili on a hot day is just fantastic,” Escoto said.