Tag Archive: Holiday

  1. We Had a Great 2015!

    Comments Off on We Had a Great 2015!

    2015 was a great year at North York Harvest Food Bank and it couldn’t have been done without you!

    Enjoy our 2015 year in review video!

     

    We can’t wait to see what 2016 holds!

  2. The Gift of Kindness

    Comments Off on The Gift of Kindness

    At this time of year, it feels like more people are showing that extra bit of kindness towards others!  Here at North York Harvest, I see it every day but more so during the winter months.  There is just so much joy and holiday cheer that people have and they want to share it with those around them.

    Don’t you notice the extra bit of kindness at this time of year?  It’s even the smaller things like holding a door for someone or paying that extra 5 cents they need for their morning coffee.  It can make someone’s day just so much brighter.

    IMG_0430

    Kindness is powerful. It can completely transform your day and that of people around you.

    Did you know the many advantages of kindness?

    Kindness can relieve stress.  Doing something nice for another person makes you feel good.

    “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~Dalai Lama

    Kindness is contagious.  Remember that big news story a couple of years ago when people were “Paying it Forward” at the coffee shop?  A person would buy the coffee for the next person in line and that pattern continued for the entire day!  A person can’t help but return the favour when a kindness is bestowed upon them!

    IMG_5443

    “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” ~Amelia Earhart

    Kindness strengthens relationships. When you perform an act of kindness for another there is just a new unspoken bond between the two of you.  When it is a larger act of kindness among many people – such as sponsoring a refugee in need, a group volunteer activity or running a food drive at work – it brings a sense of community between you, your friends, your coworkers and those that benefit from your kindness.

    “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia

    Kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.  You might not know it, but letting another person go ahead of you in line could be the highlight of his or her day, week or even month.  You never know what someone else could be going through.

    IMG_4336

    “Be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”  ~Maya Angelou

    There are just so many random ways that you can show a little extra kindness this holiday season.

    Here are a few ideas:

    • Visiting a retirement home to spend time with someone who is lonely
    • Purchasing a coffee for a stranger
    • Putting some of your extra change in an expired parking meter
    • Shoveling your neighbour’s driveway
    • Send a thank you letter to your local fire and police departments
    • Compliment someone
    • Take a friend to a movie

    Another easy way to share kindness  is to contribute to our make a donation for people in your city that really need it!  Every month over 16,000 children, parents, seniors and people on their own will come into our programs because they don’t have enough food to eat.

    You can make a difference!

     

     

  3. CBC – Bringing Canadians Together

    Comments Off on CBC – Bringing Canadians Together

    CBC has been a part of every Canadian’s life since 1936.  No matter whom you are, what city you’re in, how much money you make, if you were born here or immigrated – you know the CBC.   There’s no easier way for Canadians to feel connected to each other, than by hearing the stories from the CBC.  I’ve never been to Nunavut, but because of the CBC I can hear stories from the families that call it home.

    The CBC brings Canadians together and on December 4, it will be hosting their annual Sounds of the Season bringing us together in support of food banks.  It’s a chance for Canadians to get into the holiday spirit and unite in support of one incredible and worthy cause – feeding your community.   What better way to kick off the season than to be a part of Sounds of the Season?

    sots2

    Last year $36,906 was raised for North York Harvest  – that’s 110,718 meals for Canadians struggling with hunger. We are incredibly grateful to CBC and everyone that participated and donated to the event.  It really made an impact on the lives of the 13,000 people that North York Harvest serves each month.

    Every year the event is always a roaring success, drawing huge audiences across the country.  This year proves to be no different, with an incredible list of performers on the agenda.  Some of the performers this year will be Francesco Yates, The Toronto Mass Choir, The Heavyweight Brass Band, Terra Lightfoot and many more!

    Even though the weather is cold and frightful, the season still has a warm, cheery feeling when you come together with your community.  Whether you plan on celebrating the holidays or not, join us in celebrating the community and make a huge difference in the lives of people that are hungry.

    So on December 4th and all through December, join North York Harvest and CBC in celebrating this wonderful holiday season!   Click HERE to join in on the festivities! (Don’t forget to designate you gift to NYH)

    Thank you for generously donating to North York Harvest and lighting up the holidays with the gift of food. Because of YOU, families in northern Toronto will not go hungry.

    Don’t forget to sign up for our Enews!