GBC’s Sustainability Squad Holiday Meal Service Fundraiser has returned for the second year in a row in partnership with Toronto Food Not Bombs, an organization striving to improve food security in the city of Toronto. The fundraiser aims to provide winter clothing and hot meals to those in need as a gesture of care and kindness during the holiday season.

The project was initiated by Isabella Levi, a George Brown College student who graduated last year. What was just an idea has now become an annual project aiming to spread joy and happiness, and supporting the community in the process.

Since this is the second time running the program, their goal has grown from 70 hot meals and care packages to 200 hot meals and care packages. This year, the fundraising goal is to reach $3000 by December 24, and the team is already halfway there.

The Sustainability Squad aims to make George Brown College an environmentally conscious institution by working towards reducing the college’s eco-footprint and incorporating sustainability into education.

“We’re doing better in terms of quantity, and volume of donations at this point in time than we were last year,” said Georgy Pyle, the president of the Sustainability Squad. “We did get donations like winter gear last year. But this year, it seems like we’re getting a little bit of an extra outpour of support, which is awesome.” 

The team has also organized the “Sustainable Holiday Giveaway contest,” through which students can win exciting gifts. To enter the contest, you just have to follow their Instagram account, comment, tag and reshare their required post. The giveaway closes on December 20.

The project is not only creating awareness about food insecurity, but also bringing people together. “A project like this, getting people together, really to rally around food and community, providing that love and tenderness that we all need

over the holiday season. So that extra side to the project I think is to be together, cook together and have multiple hands in the pot. All of this just adds to the beauty of the project,” said Pyle.

Every donation matters. According to Pyle.

“Anyone who donates from $5 to $500, each of those actions, they have momentum. So, I think to be part of that momentum, and to have our fundraiser reach that goal, would kind of reinforce our vision.”

“And yes, this is something we’d like to continue to do in the future.”