North York Harvest Delivers Hope for the Holidays

Toronto – On Friday November 25, North York Harvest Food Bank will launch its largest food drive of the year, and we welcome you to join us. Jack Astor’s Shops at Don Mills will host the event, serving up Starbucks coffee to those who attend, and food and cash donations will be warmly accepted.

For, as the cold weather sets in, so does the need for nourishment. North York Harvest wants to ensure northern Toronto families and individuals will have food on their tables this season.

But not just any food – we want to deliver a variety of healthy, hearty food choices.

“During our annual winter food drive, we often receive sugary donations. But holiday meals aren’t just about gingerbread and sugar plums,” explains Anette Chawla, the food bank’s executive director. “Those who access our food bank request nourishing food for the holidays and the coming winter months, especially since over half of our clients have young children.”

Community members are encouraged to donate healthy options, including canned fish, dried beans, cooking oils, and whole grains. For details, please visit: http://northyorkharvest.com/suggested-food-donations.

With a goal of 200,000 pounds of food and $200,000, North York Harvest’s six-week drive aims to raise both food and awareness. Last year, families and individuals in the region picked up 150,000 hampers of food from North York Harvest’s neighbourhood agencies. And the urgent need continues, as evidenced by the recent spike in unemployment in Toronto.

We hope you will join us to launch our food drive, and help us deliver hope for the holidays.

DATE: Friday, November 25, 12 noon - 1:00pm

LOCATION: Jack Astor’s Shops at Don Mills, 1060 Don Mills Rd. Toronto Ontario, M3C 0H8.

WHO: Councillor Jaye Robinson of Ward 25, and Anette Chawla, Executive Director of the North York Harvest Food Bank will be on hand for interviews and photos.

North York Harvest is one of Toronto’s largest food banks, distributing more than 1.6 million pounds of food through 60 neighbourhood programs. An independent, charitable organization, we envision a community where all members are able to meet their food needs.

Jack Astor’s Shops at Don Mills is an energetic, family friendly, bar and grill, with a playful attitude, over one hundred televisions, and a menu that is nothing less than lip-smacking. Jack Astor’s supports the work of North York Harvest and are excited about hosting this launch.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melissa Benner
Communications Manager
647-365-7771 ext. 48
melissa [at] northyorkharvest [dot] com