At a time when more than one in 10 Torontonians are relying on food banks, 407 ETR is stepping up with a transformative $1 million donation to Daily Bread Food Bank.
The generous gift will help Daily Bread purchase high-demand, nutritious and culturally appropriate food for people accessing emergency food programs across Toronto. The donation was announced as part of 407 ETR’s annual One Big Day of employee volunteerism, which saw hundreds of staff giving back across the Greater Toronto Area.
At Daily Bread, 85 407 ETR employees rolled up their sleeves, contributing 255 volunteer hours and sorting an incredible 13,942 lbs. of food for distribution to our network of 144 member agencies across the city. Staff were divided into lanes for a friendly competition to see which team could sort the most food, with the winning lane taking home medals and bragging rights.
“Toronto is facing a hunger crisis, and behind these staggering numbers are real people and families doing everything they can just to get by,” said Neil Hetherington, CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank. “We are deeply grateful to 407 ETR for their incredible commitment. Through their volunteer efforts and this deeply impactful gift, their partnership means Daily Bread can continue to show up for our neighbours when they need us most.”
The event also included remarks from MPP Lee Fairclough, Daily Bread Board member Amos Sarwan and 407 ETR President and CEO Jose Espinosa, who spoke personally about his family’s experience with food insecurity and the lasting impact it has had on him.
“One Big Day has always been about coming together to make a difference and rolling up our sleeves to serve our communities,” said Espinosa. “With one in 10 Torontonians relying on food banks, our $1 million donation to Daily Bread will help expand access to food for individuals and families across the city.”
David McFadden, Chair of the Board of 407 ETR, and Laura Formusa, Corporate Director of 407 ETR, also joined the cheque presentation.
We are deeply grateful to 407 ETR for their generosity, partnership and commitment to helping ensure our neighbours can access the food they need with dignity.
Learn how you can help provide nutritious food to families relying on Daily Bread’s emergency food network today.
