Food banks provide a valuable service in virtually every community across North America. Most people would be surprised by the number of hungry individuals and families who live near them. Many of these people don’t talk about it, often out of a wariness related to the public stigma that accompanies their status as less-fortunate individuals. But the fact is that hunger can impact one’s life in many ways, both physical and social, and local food banks work hard to help as many of these people as they can. They depend on support, whether financial or voluntary, or even providing food items to be distributed to those who desperately need it.
Toronto native George Scorsis is one of many business leaders who have made it their mission to help the hungry. By day, Scorsis is an executive at WeedMD, a Toronto company that produces and provides cannabis for medical and adult recreational use.
Though his career has been on the fast track, he’s never forgotten where he’s from. That’s why he’s been actively involved in charity work, often to benefit the residents of his hometown. One of the beneficiaries of his time and financial support is the Agincourt Food Bank located in Toronto’s Scarborough neighborhood.
The Food Bank, which is run by the Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) in the Scarborough area of Toronto, is very busy. In 2019 for example, the Food Bank provided food for more 105,000 families that represented all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.
“Hunger,” says George Scorsis, “can be caused by a variety of factors. You really don’t know what to expect. You can be well-to-do one day and starving the next. The Food Bank does really wonderful work in the area, so I’m personally thankful to have the resources to help them help others.”
Scorsis first became involved as a Food Bank supporter last fall when the organization was running low on supplies following the traditional summer rush. After learning about this, he jumped in to help, organizing a project that involved many of his peers, since of whom are childhood friends who are equally committed to helping their hometown.
While that was a highly successful effort, more help continues to be desperately needed in Scarborough since the COVID-19 pandemic has swept across Canada and North America, wreaking havoc, changing lives and significantly increasing the Food Bank’s demand for food. Scorsis continues to provide help.
He’s also involved in other charity initiatives. For example, the lifelong animal lover — who owns a dog named Zeus — is involved in helping animal-related causes. “I’m completely committed to the welfare of our furry friends,” he says.
Throughout all this volunteer activity, Scorsis realizes that the uncertain times have really reinforced how important family and community is.
“Scarborough will always be home for me and I’m fortunate to be in the position to give back to my hometown and the community that raised me.”
George Scorsis says that business success motivates him in a strong way to not only continue helping others through his charity work, but to continue to advise others to get involved as well.
“What I’ve learned over the years through the nonprofits I have partnered with is that, despite the current circumstances, people will always need our help. The idea of giving back needs to be more prevalent than ever since we have no idea what our future is going to look like.”
