Tag Archive: north york harvest

  1. National Volunteer Week

    Comments Off on National Volunteer Week

    Dear Volunteer,

    It’s National Volunteer Week in Canada, and we want to take a moment to highlight you, the people that fuel North York Harvest Food Bank’s mission, day in and day out.

    Each year North York Harvest Food Bank works with over 2000 volunteers, over 120 of which are “Core Volunteers” who come in at least once a month. You put together food hampers, answer the phones and ride on our trucks as delivery assistants. You are not just helpers, but ambassadors of our organization. You provide fresh perspectives and deepen our connection to the community of Northern Toronto. But most importantly, you share our vision of a city where no one goes hungry, and work tirelessly help families in need put food on the table.

    “At North York Harvest, we work with so many amazing volunteers”, says Lisa Anderson, Manager of Volunteer Services. “Your optimism, caring, hard-work, and grace are inspiring.”

    Your community and corporate volunteer groups also play a huge role in helping those struggling with hunger. So far this year we’ve seen you organize an incredible 341 food drives. During this same period we’ve also had over 1700 people attend our volunteer group food sorts, helping to sort and package 265,000 lbs of food. Martine Valentine, an employee of CIBC, and a long-time supporter of NYHFB, has been helping coordinate corporate food drives and public sorts in her office for years.

    “It is important to us as an organization to assist our neighbours in need”, says Martine. “We especially enjoy contributing in a positive way to the community in which we work. It is a great feeling to chip in, help out in anyway way we can, large or small. It gives us an appreciation for what we have, which is plenty.”

    So thank you, volunteers. Thank you for your hard work and for the lives you’ve changed. We wouldn’t have made it this far without your dedication and support.

    Click here to find out about current volunteer opportunities, or email lisa@northyorkharvest.com to get involved today.

  2. Trucking All The Way

    1 Comment

    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!

    Subscribe to Our Enewsletter

    * indicates required




  3. I Ran As A Carrot

    Comments Off on I Ran As A Carrot

    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

  4. Meet Ryan Noble

    Comments Off on Meet Ryan Noble

    On behalf of all of us at North York Harvest Food Bank, we are so excited to introduce you to our new Executive Director, Ryan Noble.  Ryan comes to us with a passion for informative food systems and a rich history of experience in organizational growth and change management.

    After completing his Bachelor in Commerce from Queens University, Ryan focused his career in the aerospace industry, working to develop new business, growing and transforming Bombardier, both locally and abroad.  Ryan believes in strong partnerships and has a commitment to growth through continuous systems evaluation and development.

    From his work to mobilize and empower families of cancer patients, to developing a co-op initiative to connect people in the city with local farmers, Ryan’s passion for social change is evident in both his professional and personal life.  While completing his Masters of Education at the University of Toronto, Ryan was able to able to combine his business expertise and his passion for food security into the research and application of community-supported agriculture and alternative food systems.  Ryan is dedicated to working collaboratively to transform and strengthen communities.

    Prior to accepting the Executive Director role, Ryan served as a member of the NYH strategic planning committee before joining the board.  On the board he served as the vice chair, a member of the finance committee and chair of the relocation committee.  Outside of work, Ryan enjoys cooking, travelling and spending time with his long-time partner Jessica.

    Ryan can be reached at ryan@northyorkharvest.com  or 416-635-7771 ex24