GTAA launches 10th annual Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive in support of Toronto's
food banks

TORONTO, April 13 /CNW/ - With a goal of 100,000 lbs of food, volunteers in over 800 apartment buildings across Toronto will be going door-to-door this evening asking for donations for local food banks.

The Greater Toronto Apartment Association (GTAA) launched its 10th annual Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive this afternoon at 77 Quebec Avenue, with both residents and management from Vertica Resident Services on hand to help with the kick off. Residents were invited to bring down food donations all morning to the lobby. Later on this evening, volunteers will be knocking on neighbours' doors to pick up much needed food donations of non-perishable food for local food banks across the city.

The largest door-to-door food drive in Canada, the Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive raised almost 90,000 lbs of food for Daily Bread Food Bank and North York Harvest Food Bank last year and this year they hope to do even better. With spring drives across the GTA being extended to the end of this week due to slow donations, the success of the Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive is more important than ever.

Quotes

"Year after year, the GTAA prove how committed they are to helping fight hunger. I am always impressed by the generosity of the people who donate food to this drive, or donate their time to help collect food in their buildings. With over 900,000 client visits to Daily Bread's member agencies last year, the donations that come from the Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive will be a huge help in allowing us to continue providing food to those who need it." - Gail Nyberg, Executive Director, Daily Bread Food Bank

"We are very pleased to be partnering again with the food banks in encouraging our members and their residents to help ensure the spring food goals are met. This year in particular we know our contribution is especially needed." - Brad Butt, President, Greater Toronto Apartment Association

"Donations from the Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive will have a tremendous impact in the lives of families and individuals in need in our communities. Not only will the drive help us restock our shelves with much-needed food items, but it is also a great way for residents to further build a sense of community while making a difference. We're extremely grateful to benefit from this initiative by the GTAA." - Anette Chawla, Executive Director, North York Harvest Food Bank

"I am delighted to see that excellent management companies like Vertica continue to coordinate outstanding success stories for our Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive. This is a perfect example of landlords and residents working together for the greater good!" - Bonnie Hoy, Spring H.O.P.E. Food Drive Champion, President of Bonnie Hoy & Associates

For further information: Sarah Anderson, Communications & Marketing Officer, T: [phone] ext. 238, E: [email protected], M: [phone]