Taylor Swift fans organize food bank fundraiser ahead of Canadian tour dates [Video]

Months before Taylor Swift’s massively popular Eras Tour arrives in Canada, local fans have launched an ambitious nationwide fundraiser in the superstar’s name.

Food Banks Canada’s “Tay it Forward” campaign was the brainchild of Heidi Van Schaik, a Swiftie who took inspiration from the singer’s own philanthropic endeavors.

“Taylor herself has been donating to food banks in the cities that she’s been doing her concerts in, so the idea kind of came from that,” said Van Shaik, of Waterloo, Ont.

The fundraiser has a lofty goal of collecting $1.3 million – chosen because 13 is Swift’s favourite number, and one she used to draw on her hand before performances.

“We’re suggesting that people do a donation of $13, so we aren’t asking for a lot,” Van Schaik added. “We know millions of people across Canada are struggling – food insecurity has become a huge issue.”

The fundraiser also closes on Dec. 13 – Swift’s birthday – which …