Our third volunteering experience for Pledge 1% was at WoodGreen, one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto.
In this opportunity, we supported WoodGreen’s Food Bank, which is dedicated to alleviating food insecurity and hunger in Toronto. We know food bank visits have significantly increased since the pandemic began so we definitely wanted to make a difference in the lives of our neighbours that are struggling with insecure access to food.
Who is WoodGreen and how do they help our community?
WoodGreen was founded in 1937 and has since grown to over 36 permanent locations throughout Toronto, aiding over 37,000 individuals and families in being more self-sufficient and living independently within their communities.
WoodGreen supports people:
- Find safe, affordable housing
- Seniors live independently
- Homeless and marginalized people get off the streets
- Parents access childcare
- Internationally-trained professionals enter the job market
- Children and youth access after-school programs
- Newcomers settle into Canadian life
- Youth find meaningful employment and training
- Provide a variety of mental health supports
App Solve got involved with WoodGreen’s food program at one of their locations on Queen Street East, Toronto. In this location, WoodGreen also provides safe, affordable housing and a wide range of support services including on-site medical care, counseling, social recreational activities, life-skills training, and community volunteer opportunities.
App Solve Volunteering
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WoodGreen’s food program happens every Tuesday and involves many steps.
Our team helped to unload boxes of food from the trucks of their food donors. After that, we categorized and sorted perishable and non-perishable food. We then bagged the food for client distribution, and finally handed out the food bags to their clients. Also, pet food was provided when needed.
“App Solve’s volunteering journey at WoodGreen was an amazing experience that will remain in our memories” says David Brabrook, CEO & Founder of App Solve.
We had a wonderful day with WoodGreen and we were delighted to be part of the help WoodGreen provides to those experiencing food insecurity.
We want to say thank you to Kathy and Christine from WoodGreen who helped us with everything to ensure our volunteering day ran smoothly.
WoodGreen’s Food Bank could not achieve the transformative outcomes that it does without the support of its donors, corporate partners, and volunteers who step up to make a difference in our community. They count on the help of donors and volunteers to meet their needs.
Visit woodgreen.org to join their team by volunteering, or making a donation. You can also make a difference in the lives of people in need!
