Tag Archive: food bank

  1. Trucking All The Way

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    When Gavin Turner returned to Toronto to settle down, he knew the metropolitan city had a different reality to share than what he had seen from the outside. But who would have thought that trucking around northern Toronto neighbourhoods as a driver’s assistant for North York Harvest would actually give Gavin that bigger picture?

    Since the Thanksgiving weekend in 2011, Gavin has been helping to drop-off food to member agencies and pick-up donations from stores and community supporters. Driving through the various neighbourhoods of Toronto, he shares, “It is hard to believe that there are people in Toronto who have to decide whether to pay rent or buy food. When I see people in need, instead of poverty I see humanity – what we can do to assist them.”

    When Gavin drops off the collected food, it definitely makes it beyond just the door-step. “I don’t allow the recipients to haul off all the food boxes. If I were in their shoes, I would like to be treated that way,” says Gavin.

    All those who know Gavin would also agree that he loves to talk and his route provides him many opportunities for just that. He does not get back into the truck without having a friendly chat with the coordinators at each delivery point.

    Currently studying Neuroscience at University of Toronto, Gavin says, “Volunteering is a great way for me to participate outside of the university setting and to experience the practicalities of day-to-day life for those who have difficulty getting enough food on their table and seeing parts of Toronto I would not otherwise of known were struggling.”

    Interested in becoming a volunteer?  Click here!

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  2. I Ran As A Carrot

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    We spoke with  Peter Zsissis, a long time supporter of North York Harvest Food Bank about his participation in the Scotiabank Water Front Marathon to raise money for those without enough food.

    NYHFB: What inspired you to get involved with the North York Harvest Food Bank?

    Peter: I believe it is important to “give back” at the community level.

    NYHFB: What inspires you to participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon?

    Peter: The opportunity to raise awareness for the NYHFB while doing something I enjoy – running.

    NYHFB: How long have you been involved with this event?

    Peter: This will be my 7th year.

    NYHFB: Do you get your family and friends involved?

    Peter: Over the years, my spouse, daughter, sister, co-workers and other friends have done the event with me.

    NYHFB: What is it like to wear a costume for a run?

    Peter: More fun than I could have ever imagined!

    NYHFB: How did you decide to wear a costume and run?

    Peter: I was inspired by a fellow supporter of the NYHFB who once ran the Scotiabank ½ marathon in costume as well as the many others that run the 5k event in costume each year.

    NYHFB: Do you have a favourite memory from any of the previous events?

    Peter: Yes. It was clearly running the event in costume for the 1st time last year alongside 2 other supporters of the food bank who also ran in costume. We had so much fun!

    NYHFB: Any advice for new participants?

    Peter: Get in a costume and have more fun!

    Want to share your running experience with us? Contact Leslie at leslie@northyorkharvest.com