Photo-Op: Volunteers get festive during public food sorting weekend

TORONTO, December 16, 2009 –

WHAT:  This Saturday, volunteers will be getting into the spirit of the season by sorting food during the Winter Food Drive. Volunteers will be set against the backdrop of the North York Harvest Food Bank warehouse decked out with festive decorations and music.

WHEN:  Saturday, December 19, 2009
            10:00 am to 11:30 am and 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

WHO:    Anette Chawla, Executive Director of the North York Harvest Food Bank will be on-hand to speak about the challenges that food banks are facing this season.

WHERE: North York Harvest Food Bank
            640 Lawrence Ave West (Lawrence and Allen Rd.)
            Entrance at back of Bathurst Heights school building

GENERAL FOOD DRIVE INFORMATION

The Winter Food Drive marks the close of a very difficult year for food banks in northern Toronto which have seen requests for food assistance rise more than 20%. Financial contributions can be made online at www.northyorkharvest.com or by phone with a credit card by calling 416-635-7771. Cheques can be mailed to: North York Harvest Food Bank, 640 Lawrence Ave West, Toronto, ON M6A 1B1.

Nutritious, non-perishable food items can be dropped off at local fire halls and participating supermarkets in northern Toronto. For a list of most needed items and drop-off locations, please visit our website. The drive runs until January 4, 2010.

About the North York Harvest Food Bank

The North York Harvest Food Bank is the primary food bank for northern Toronto. An independent, charitable organization, it distributes over one million pounds of food to 60 community food programs between Hwy 27, Steeles Ave, Victoria Park Ave, and St. Clair Ave/Eglinton Ave. To learn more about North York Harvest programs, visit www.northyorkharvest.com.

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For further information, contact:
Daniel Liadsky
Senior Manager, Community Engagement
416-635-7771 ext. 32
daniel [at] northyorkharvest [dot] com