For decades, the Agincourt Community Services Association (ACSA) in the Scarborough area of Toronto has been committed to feeding people in need, seven days a week. Last year alone, more than 105,000 families were served by the Food Bank, and today even more meals are needed after Toronto, like so many cities across the world, was hit by COVID-19.  

According to the ACSA, people who visit the food bank come from all ethnic and educational backgrounds.  They include families with children, employed people whose low wages do not cover basic living essentials, individuals on social assistance, and Canadians living on fixed incomes, such as seniors and people with disabilities. 

The city’s ongoing hunger issues, paired with a national health crisis that has forced many people out of work, is what prompted executives like George Scorsis to get involved.

“Whether it stems from a lack of resources or job loss, hunger is caused by various complex social and economic factors, and it affects so many people,” says George Scorsis.  “I’m very grateful to the Food Bank for everything they are doing and am also thankful to be able to help in any way possible.”

Although Scorsis moved away from Scarborough, he continues to be fiercely proud of his hometown, one that he refers to as being a safe haven during his childhood and a place that he and his friends are proud to be part of, but also at the core of who they are today.

“There’s really no place like home. No matter where we move to as adults, we always remember the things that make our hometown special, and there are so many services like the Food Bank that are aiming to make our communities a better place,” Scorsis says.

George Scorsis has served as a benefactor to The Agincourt Food Bank for many years, and his charity work, volunteer services and financial support of various initiatives has been a guiding principle throughout his personal and professional life.  

“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 “give back” mentality needs to be more prevalent than ever since we have no idea what our future is going to look like,” he commented.

Last fall Scorsis received a call from two of his friends, Gavin and Neil who are both now established entrepreneurs, but have roots in Scarborough. Scorsis learned that donations to the Agincourt Food Bank were down, just as requests for food were increasing. This is often the case during that time of year because the Food Bank regularly experiences a greater-than-usual request for food assistance each summer that depletes its inventory by the time fall arrives.

After becoming aware of the situation, Scorsis decided to collaborate with them and lead a major food drive to help the Food Bank. He called on several of his friends and business contacts in the local community who, like him, grew up in and around Scarborough, and asked that they do two things: organize truckloads of food to be dropped off at the food bank and raise awareness of the organization so that more people would make donations.

“We all know the important aspects of life are family, friends, and community. Taking time to get out there, help others in the community, and being involved are all great ways to build camaraderie with your friends and feel good about what you are doing together,” says Scorsis. “I feel privileged to play a role in improving the community and helping organizations like the Food Bank continue to do good work.” 

The Food Bank is grateful for the help that businesspeople like Scorsis continue to provide, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic that created a strong demand for assistance among Canadian communities. 

For George Scorsis, Scarborough will always hold a special place in his heart as will donating his time and resources to causes that he cares about. 

“I encourage everyone to pitch in and do as much as they can to help their communities. There are so many wonderful organizations to become involved with and all it takes is the willingness to reach out and help.” 

If you are interested in helping the ACSA Food Bank, visit https://www.agincourtcommunityservices.com/food-bank.