Another Voice of Support

Hi Wendy,

I had a wonderful day on the truck with Blaine. It was very rewarding and eye opening. You don't always realize the depth and breadth of need for food in Toronto, but the 6 stops we made that day helped me gain a better understanding of the types of agencies and groups and individuals that Second Harvest is helping. While I enjoyed the day, it also made me realize how fortunate I am and have been. I think everyone should do this at least once.

I intend to do it again in the coming year - more than once. I will be in touch when I have some dates determined. I'd like to do a couple of weekdays to be able to see the agencies in the downtown core that Second Harvest supports.

I’m not sure if I can do this over email, but I'd also like to increase my monthly donation. I can see that it takes a huge amount of funding just to keep the trucks fuelled and running smoothly. We were in one of the new trucks - what a generous, worthwhile donation. (No problems getting up and down at the back.)

Thank you for the opportunity to volunteer with Second Harvest. I'll be back!

Kind Regards,

Janice Baker

Words From a Volunteer

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to volunteer as an assistant to a Second Harvest driver. The experience demonstrated to me the very real benefit that Second Harvest provides to communities in need in the Toronto area. Growing up in the suburbs and living in Etobicoke, I have not been exposed to the economic diversity in Toronto. To ride the Second Harvest truck was an eye-opener for me. It helped me realize the need for food distribution programs like Second Harvest and other practical charities that support the Toronto community.

I would describe the experience as "fantastic”. I enjoyed meeting the people from the different community centers. They were all very grateful for the food donations. In some cases, such as the community in Jamestown, it seemed like a community event to take food from the truck into the center. I also met the wonderful folks at Howard Park church. They volunteer their time to prepare food provided by Second Harvest to meet the needs of the community.

Part of the day also included a pick up from the Loblaws located at Dundas and Jane. The Loblaws staff had the meat ready for Second Harvest prior to the pick up. From my brief interaction with these Loblaws staff members, I could tell that they recognize the benefit that Second Harvest provides to the community and they were happy to help out.

The day could not have taken place without Grant, a Second Harvest driver. Grant was most professional and demonstrated this professionalism in all aspects of his job. He is an excellent and careful driver. Furthermore, he interacted with the front line staff and volunteers in a very respectful and professional manner. It seems to me that Grant really enjoys his job representing Second Harvest by picking up and delivering food in the Toronto area. Grant made the experience an enjoyable one.

I know I will continue to think about the experience for some time. Thanks again for the opportunity to volunteer.

Warm Regards,

James Willis