When a fire destroyed some 5,000 kilograms of food, nine-year-old Christian Beatty took it upon himself to replenish the stock for the Kamloops Food Bank.

His generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed, as the Juniper Ridge elementary student’s story will be featured in an upcoming variety show on Country Music Television Canada.

“It’s fun,” Christian said of the star treatment he received Tuesday.

A team from Rugged Media, led by director Adrian Cox, interviewed Christian and his mom, Nichole Dill, at their home Tuesday before talking with staff at the Kamloops Food Bank.

Gift of Giving is a Christmas special that puts the spotlight on hunger in Canada. Dix said Christian’s segment is one of five interviews featured alongside musical performances.

“It’s a concert and a bit of a call to action,” said Dix, who filmed a similar special last season.

The idea is to tell stories about people like Christian who made a difference in his or her community. Whenever possible, Dix tries to focus on young people, he said.

His researchers came across Christian’s story online and thought it was one that had to be told, he said. Arrangements were made late last week for the Vancouver-based film crew to come to Kamloops.

Christian launched his effort in August when a suspected arsonist torched a building belonging to the Kamloops Food Bank. With his mom’s help, he organized a food drive outside the Juniper Market and Sahali Superstore.

The events were so successful — 510 kilograms of food collected in two days — that the family intends to make the food drive an annual event. They also spurred three Kamloops Scotiabank branches to make a $5,000 donation.

Looking back, Christian isn’t sure why he wanted to help. He just thought it was the right thing to do, he said.

Dill and her son are overwhelmed by the attention, she said. And she’s very proud of Christian.

“I’m really excited about it. I can’t believe how far it’s gone,” said Dill. “It’s neat.”

Gift of Giving begins airing Dec. 14 on CMT, Channel 21 in Kamloops.