Tag Archive: scotiabank marathon

  1. Racing Against Hunger

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    Guest Blog by Leslie Venturino

    What is it that makes you realize fall is finally here?

    Is it the coolness in the air? The leaves changing colours? Everything is now pumpkin spice flavoured?

    For me and my daughters, Emma & Sophia, fall kicks off each year by participating in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. This year will be our 8th year participating in the marathon and our 4th year on Team North York Harvest. The route is great and the scenery around the city is absolutely gorgeous.

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    It’s a real Toronto community event complete with bands, entertainment, cheerleaders and people in costumes. We’ve been known to have a carrot joining our team for many years now! It’s great for first time marathoners but also the advanced athlete who wants to qualify for the upcoming Boston Marathon. Anyone that enters gets a t-shirt and a great finisher’s medal that comes with complete bragging rights.

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    The first year I entered, I tried running with my daughter Sophia on my back. She was only two at the time and let’s just say my run time wasn’t going to get me on the Olympic team. But that doesn’t matter. The important part is getting together with my family and fellow community members to reach a common goal.

    And that goal is all about providing healthy meals for our neighbours that are hungry. Each year Team North York Harvest raises money so that families will be able to access the food they need. Since the team has been active, over $200,000 has been raised.

    That’s 600,000 meals for children, parents and grandparents living right here in Toronto!

    Even my girls have taken the initiative to raise money for the cause with their friends at school. This year they plan to raise enough funds for 300 meals. It really warms my heart to see how caring and thoughtful my children have grown to be. And a lot of that attitude came from taking part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon.

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    So won’t you join me this year in lacing up and leaving hunger in the dust on October 16, 2016?

    Join Team North York Harvest today for an unforgettable experience!

    Can’t join the team but still want to provide meals for families in your community? Make a gift on behalf of Team North York Harvest.

     

     

  2. We Had a Great 2015!

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    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!

  3. Scotiabank Marathon

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    This past Sunday, for the 8th year in a row, we took part in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon!  It was cold.  It was snowing.  But all participants were still in great spirits!

    Our goal was to raise $15,000 in order to provide 45,000 meals to our neighbours that are hungry.

    WE’RE ALMOST THERE! We’ve already exceeded $12,000!

    Even though the race is over, YOU can still be a part of the team!

    DON’T DELAY – Donations can only be made until the end of October so please DONATE NOW

    Thank you to all our participants for getting up to race with us at 8:00 in the morning on a chilly Sunday.  Your dedication will to help feed people in your community.  We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the donors and sponsors for your generosity!

    We were excited to be joined by many of our veteran teammates in person and spirit.  Including the Fun Runners team with Peter Zissis and Chris Hilborn, who have been running with NYH for 8 years!   We also had some new faces, including Executive Director Ryan Noble and Board Member Tony Cancelliere.

    Our incredible teams this year were:

    • Fun Runners with Peter Zissis & Chris Hilborn
    • The Accidental Roamers with Anoop Chawla & Anette Chawla and team
    • NYH team – Leslie, Ryan, Emma, Sophia, Tony Cancelliere & Harold Banguero and family
    • Kevin Munn and family

    And as always, our tradition at the race is the Treasurer of the Board (Kevin Munn) best represented our team by wearing a great costume!

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    What our team had to say:

    “Taking part in the charity walk was a lot of fun and a great feeling – there was a great sense of community among the participants that represented all walks of life” – Tony Cancelliere

    “I had my best time ever and also helped families.” – Accidental Roamers

    “It was a lot of fun to walk with all my friends at the Scotiabank Marathon and see the thousands of other people.  We also raised money for the food bank.” – AR

    “My kids and I were super excited for the event.  It was the best 5KM yet Thank you to family and friends for supporting the North York Harvest Food Bank!” – Leslie Venturino

    Please help us provide 45,000 meals to your neighbours in need by donating here.

  4. 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