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Agency Spotlight: St. Philip Neri’s Table
In honour of Mother’s Day this month, we’re sharing how a mother and son’s volunteer work strengthens their bond at St. Philip Neri’s table, a partner agency of North York Harvest Food Bank.
Every Saturday Yesmil and a dedicated team of 50 volunteers distribute essential food and other support to their community. Yesmil co-founded the food bank with the then-pastor of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in 2021, after seeing the need in their community surge during the pandemic.
It has since become a lifeline for many in the community.
“My family’s support makes all the difference,” Yesmil says. “The volunteers, including my sons, who have accompanied me from the beginning, help make real connections with our clients. Together, we’ve created a welcoming space for all.”
The team’s combined efforts provide emergency food to 230 households each week, serving a diverse community in the Jane and Wilson area, including many new moms, seniors, and others struggling to make ends meet.
“It’s not just about food,” Yesmil adds. “We
also focus on essential items like diapers, adult diapers, and baby formula—things that often take up a large portion of someone’s income.”
One client, who is also a volunteer, shared that “If it weren’t for the baby formula I receive here, I wouldn’t have been able to raise my grandchild.”
On Saturday, May 17, St. Philip Neri’s commemorated their four-year anniversary by serving their community soup and bread before distributing food.
“This mission would not be possible without the collective effort of the volunteers and the entire community,” Yesmil says, “ and working as a family for the community brings immeasurable value.”
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