Elite Roofing joined forces this year with the Vaughan Food Bank, providing a financial contribution as part of our ongoing mission to support valuable community organizations. Since our founding in 1956, our values have included the importance of community involvement by the Elite team—whether giving financial support or volunteering to help neighbors in need. This article looks at what the Vaughan Food Bank does, its impact on the community, and how you can support this worthy organization.
An ongoing mission of compassion and service
The Vaughan Food Bank, associated with the Vaughan Community Information Centre, has operated since 1995. Its core mission: “To serve the needy residents of Vaughan, agencies in York Region and other food banks in York Region as requested.” In 2024, they provided 1.5 million meals.
Food is a critical need, but not the only one. People require a host of essential services to be healthy and thrive. No single agency or service organization can do it all. While food instability is its focus, the Food Bank extends its community support by partnering with other local organizations that provide a range of support services for families and individuals.
In addition to supporting other food pantries as requested, the Vaughan Food Bank assists 14 agencies through York Region, including Cross Links Community Services, Vitanova Foundation, Caritas, Street Outreach, and 360 Kids.
Beyond fighting food instability, the focus of organizations also includes addiction recovery, services for unhoused people, senior service, mental health support, services for families and children, and more.
Vaughan Food Bank relies on community support
The food bank makes the most of its resources. There are no paid staff. Rather it is operated entirely by a core group of about 25 dedicated volunteers from the community who assist in the daily operations. This includes handling the collection, sorting, and distributing of goods.
At the heart of the organization are food donations from the community. It also relies on contributions from various corporations and individuals. This support is essential, as no support is provided by municipal, provincial or federal governments.
Elite’s first-hand experience of the Vaughan Food Bank
Elite has a strong belief in corporate responsibility, and we take pride in giving back to the community. We already support the Second Harvest Food Bank, Canada’s largest food rescue charity. We also wanted to support an organization fighting food insecurity right in Vaughan, where our office is located. In our search, we were excited to find opportunities with the Vaughan Food Bank. Miguel Marto, an Elite site supervisor, recently paid them a visit.
When he arrived at the food bank, he was greeted by Peter Wixson. Peter was awarded the Vaughan’s Ward 2 Civic Hero Award for his volunteer efforts as the Executive Director of the Vaughan Food Bank, a post he has held for 16 years. He has been involved with the food bank for over two decades and volunteers over 3,000 hours a year.
Peter’s dedication is contagious, and the volunteers are amazing. They painted a picture of how so many individuals and families in our area live close to the edge, with food insecurity being a major stressor. Highlighting the issue, as Miguel approached the building, he saw a long line of people waiting for it to open. He was impressed by the range of food donations, including meat, chicken, fruits, vegetables, grains, and canned goods. It was an eye-opening experience all around.
It’s our responsibility and pleasure as a corporate citizen to support this organization, which does so much to improve the lives of others. We know that supporting their operations has a direct impact on so many people.
Join us in supporting the Vaughan Food Bank
Be part of the solution to end hunger. We encourage individuals and businesses to support the Vaughan Food Bank by donating food, volunteering, or making a financial contribution.
Here are ways you can help:
- Donate food: Food donations are accepted 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.,
- Make a corporate or personal financial contribution: Your donations may be used for special food purchases, facility costs, storage and refrigeration, transportation, supplies or our emergency fund. Make a one-time or monthly contribution by clicking here.
- Become a volunteer: Call 905-851-2333 or email us at in**@*************nk.ca.
- Corporate Volunteer opportunities: Contact us Monday to Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to find out how your company can volunteer.
- Get the latest news on the Vaughan Food Bank Facebook page.
Do you need food? Please reach out to the Food Bank to become a client and get the food you need. Call (905) 851-2333 for details or email us at in**@*************nk.ca.
- How to register: If you require assistance, you can register on Thursday or Friday between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. After registering, you can shop that day and every 28 days thereafter, where you will receive 28 days of food.
- Food Bank hours: The Food Bank is open to clients requiring assistance on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Putting our corporate values to work
Elite has donated financial contributions to and volunteered with many local organizations over the years. We know it takes all of us to create a strong, supportive community.
Corporate contributions allow organizations like the Vaughan Food Bank to continue helping our neighbors in need. Elite Roofing will continue to look for meaningful ways to pay it forward in our local community and beyond.
