Six Toronto-area companies have been recognized as corporate leaders in the fight against hunger for their combined contribution to Daily Bread Food Bank, including more than $5 million in financial support.  Daily Bread “Best in Class” awards acknowledge the myriad contributions of corporate leaders across the spectrum.

“The support we get from individuals, especially during our food and fundraising drives leading up to holiday periods during the year, is well known,” says Gail Nyberg, Executive Director.  “What many people don’t realize is that hundreds of companies are also stepping up to help people in need in our city.  The corporate sector accounts for more than one-quarter of our financial donations, in addition to millions of pounds of donated food.”

The six businesses receiving the awards all demonstrate a commitment to community with their support for Daily Bread.

Susan Streeter of Cormark Securities Inc. with Daily Bread’s executive director, Gail Nyberg.

Partner of the Year Award for Cormark Securities, Susan Streeter, Managing Director, noted the company’s ten-year support that surpasses $3 million.

Casey Richardson-Scott and Jacob Gofman (Blake, Cassels and Graydon LLP) with Gail Nyberg, executive director of Daily Bread.

Blake Cassels and Graydon LLP received the Champion of the Year Award in recognition of its annual Law Firm Challenge, which every year raises funds from 30-plus law firms – last year topping a quarter million dollars.

Jose Bernier of Tim Horton’s accepting the Achiever of the Year Award from Al Shulman, member of Daily Bread’s Board of Directors.

Tim Horton’s received the Achiever Award for its significant increase in its level of support last year, which included funding for a hybrid truck to add to Daily Bread’s delivery fleet.

Joey Tochia of TD Bank Group Accepting Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year Award with Daily Bread’s Erica Franklin.

TD Bank Group was awarded Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year.  Volunteers contribute the equivalent of more than 50 full-time staff to Daily Bread’s food sorting and other operations.

Catherine Jackson of General Mills Canada Accepting Food Industry Leader of the Year Award with Gail Nyberg, executive director.

The Food Industry Leader of the Year was General Mills Canada, which has been among Daily Bread’s top ten food donors for several years.

Laura Lee Blake of Campbell Company of Canada Accepting Change Maker of the Year Award with Gail Nyberg, executive director.

Campbell Company of Canada was named Change Maker of the Year for its support for innovative programs to raise awareness of hunger in Canada.