March 14, 2016
Toronto Paramedic Services Superintendent Troy Van Overdiijk, the St. Patrick's Day parade entry volunteer organizer, and Toronto Paramedic Association President Geoff MacBride this morning delivered 1,925 pounds (875 kilograms) of food and a $3,300 cash donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank in Etobicoke.
Toronto Paramedic Services employee volunteers collected food donations along the St. Patrick's Day parade route on Sunday, and earlier they hosted an ambulance station employee challenge to collect food from Toronto Paramedic Services employees.
"Our employees are very generous," said Chief Paul Raftis said. "They see the need in our community every day as they care for patients. I am proud of them for giving back in this way. Our employees donated the equivalent of about 1,335 pounds, or 600 kilograms, of food before the parade – which gave the broader food drive a great start."
"The Toronto Paramedic Services/Association St. Patrick's Day Parade food drive is a great event," said Gail Nyberg, Daily Bread's executive director. "We're grateful for their support during our spring drive, which started last week. These donations will not only help us reach our goals, but will also provide about 4,000 people with a nutritious meal."
"Paramedics see the need for plentiful, healthy food in our community – this is a small way our paramedics can give back to the people they care for every day," said MacBride.
This is the 21st year Toronto Paramedic Services and the association have marched in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, and the third year volunteers have led the food drive for Daily Bread Food Bank.
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Media contact: Kim McKinnon, Toronto Paramedic Services, 416-392-2255, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
