BAPS Charities donated more than 43,000 pounds (21.5 tons) of non-perishable food items to local food banks across Canada. Volunteers organized food drives in 13 cities to provide much-needed assistance to struggling families and individuals. This initiative underscored the organization’s ongoing commitment to addressing food insecurity during a time of unprecedented need.
Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Canada, particularly during the holiday season when the demand for essential items surges. Rising food, housing, and transportation costs have left many, including children, single parents, and seniors, struggling to make ends meet. Recognizing this need, BAPS Charities mobilized its volunteers during November and December, organizing a successful food drive that led to this donation.
This includes individuals like Emmarine, a newcomer to Canada and a client of the Daily Bread Food Bank, who shared: “It is thanks to you that I can go to sleep without worrying about going hungry. Your support has given me more than food—it has given me a sense of hope for my future. Your generosity has left a mark on my heart, and I will always be grateful for how you helped me when I needed it most.”
The food bank supported by BAPS Charities included:
Alberta:
Calgary Food Bank
British Columbia:
Surrey Food Bank
Manitoba:
Harvest Manitoba
Samaritan House Ministry Inc.
Ontario:
Cambridge Food Bank
Daily Bread Food Bank
Free For All Community Services
Knights Table
Stittsville Food Bank
The Windsor Youth Centre
Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank
Quebec:
On Rock Community Services
Saskatchewan:
Regina Food Bank
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre
The donation event saw participation from Councillor Vincent Crisanti from the City of Toronto, who joined BAPS Charities volunteers while loading the donations. His presence highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing food insecurity. Councillor Crisanti shared on social media, “I was inspired by yet another incredible initiative—a BAPS Charities Food Drive! Over 30,000 lbs of food were collected and donated to local food banks like Daily Bread Food Bank and Knights Table. Truly heartwarming!”
“Thank you for your incredible efforts to bring hope to our neighbours experiencing food insecurity,” said Leaura da Mota, Development Officer, Corporate and Community Partnerships, Daily Bread Food Bank. “Your December 2024 food drive raised an incredible 19,245 lbs. Of non-perishable food items in support of Daily Bread Food Bank! This will go on to provide much needed relief to individuals and families experiencing hunger in our city through Daily Bread’s network of 205 food and meal programs this season and beyond.
“Thank you for your remarkable efforts to bring hope to our neighbours facing food insecurity. Your support is especially impactful during the holiday season, ensuring meals for those in need,” said Winston Mapp Sr., Director and Past President of Free For All Community Service and Retired Toronto Firefighter. “Every food donation is a lifeline for our community, and we are deeply grateful to BAPS Charities for their invaluable contribution to our mission.”
Yogesh Patel, President of BAPS Charities Canada, expressed gratitude for the collective efforts that made this initiative possible. “This donation reflects the spirit of service and community that defines BAPS Charities,” he said. “We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, especially the youth, our supporters, and our partners who have come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of so many.”
This donation not only provides immediate relief to food banks but also serves as a call to action for organizations and individuals across Canada to support their local food banks. It exemplifies the spirit of giving and community care that defines the holiday season. Beyond food drives, BAPS Charities also supports hospitals, vision care, blood drives, youth programs and more through its activities across Canada.
