In My Opinion: Giving Tuesday is about neighbours helping neighbours
By DEBBIE VISCONTI
CALVARY GRACE FOOD BANK
Every year, on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Canadians are invited to pause the shopping frenzy and turn their attention to generosity.
Known as Giving Tuesday, this global movement began in 2012 and was introduced in Canada in 2013. It has since become a powerful reminder that the holiday season is not only about receiving, but also about giving back to those in need.
That’s why Giving Tuesday matters so deeply in our neighbourhood. It’s about neighbours helping neighbours—coming together to ensure that no one is left behind.
Local organizations such as the Calvary Grace Food Bank play a vital role in meeting this need. One of the oldest food banks in the city, the Food Bank at Calvary Baptist Church has been a lifeline for residents of the Beach and East Toronto. Staffed entirely by volunteers, it provides groceries, household essentials, and compassion to hundreds of families each year.
Across Canada, Giving Tuesday has grown into a nationwide tradition. In 2024, Canadians donated more than $16 million in a single day, supporting thousands of charities from coast to coast.
This year, on Tuesday, Dec. 2, the call to action is louder than ever, as food insecurity continues to rise.
Here in Toronto, the numbers are stark. According to the Daily Bread Food Bank’s 2025 Who’s Hungry Report, there were more than 4.1 million food bank visits between April 2024 and March 2025, a 340 per cent increase since 2019. More than one in 10 Torontonians now rely on food banks, and one in four clients is a child. These statistics reflect the reality faced by families right here in the Beach.
The scale of support is striking: nearly 900 people are registered with this food bank, and on average, 300 individuals and families rely on its services every week. These numbers underscore just how essential the food bank has become in our community.
This Giving Tuesday, the food bank is asking for help with specific items that are most in demand. Non perishable foods are always welcome, especially:
· Canned fish and meat
· Soup
· Canned pasta sauce
· Canned beans in sauce and vegetables and fruit
· Cereal and oatmeal
Beyond food, there is also a pressing need for toddler diapers and even cat and dog food, recognizing that pets are part of many families who struggle.
And if you cannot donate food, monetary donations are very welcome and donors will receive a tax receipt. Financial contributions allow the food bank to purchase fresh meat, and dairy and fill urgent gaps where supplies run short.
Donations can be dropped off at 72 Main St. (rear entrance) during food bank hours: Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Thursdays after 5 p.m. Questions can be directed to the volunteer team at gracepascoevolunteers@gmail.com or by text to 416 333-5710. The website is https://www.gracepascoefoodbank.ca/
Giving Tuesday is not just about one day of generosity—it’s about building a culture of care that lasts all year. Whether it’s a can of soup, a box of diapers, or a financial contribution, every act of generosity makes a difference.
Together, we can ensure that the Calvary Grace Food Bank continues to serve as a beacon of hope in our community. Every little bit helps, now and throughout the year.
This Giving Tuesday, let’s show what the Beach is made of: compassion, solidarity, and the simple but powerful act of neighbours helping neighbours.
Happy Holidays!
