The holiday season is a time for connection, gratitude, and giving — a season that calls on all of us to lift each other up. At CAFE, community isn’t just a word we throw around — it’s at the heart of everything we do. From supporting positive causes year-round to creating spaces where people can relax, enjoy themselves, and feel welcome, we take pride in being part of a broader effort to make life a bit easier for our neighbours. This past November and December, we doubled down on that spirit with two meaningful initiatives: our annual food drive and toy drive that brought members of our community together in generous ways.
Throughout November and December, each of CAFE’s six locations hosted large donation boxes where customers could drop off non-perishable groceries and toys for local families in need. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with contributions pouring in as people stopped by to shop, visit, or simply show support. To amplify the impact of the food drive, CAFE also matched donations by purchasing an additional $500 worth of groceries to add to what our community generously provided.
Once the donation period closed, we worked with three respected local organizations to distribute the food donations where they are needed most. The Fort York Food Bank, located on College Street in downtown Toronto, provides grocery hampers, support services, and a safe drop-in space for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Its holistic approach helps not just to feed people, but to reconnect them with broader community resources and support systems. In a city where demand for food security support continues to rise, facilities like Fort York play an essential role in helping thousands of neighbours access groceries and resources. (canadahelps.org)
Our 7th Annual Food Drive
Another recipient was the Flemingdon Park Food Bank, part of a network of community banks working tirelessly to support families in north Toronto. These food banks provide barrier-free access to nutritious food each week, offering grocery items chosen by community members with dignity and respect. By ensuring that people can choose the foods they prefer and need, the Flemingdon Park Food Bank helps make food security a more empowering and supportive experience. (Toronto Central Healthline)
We also partnered with the Parkdale Community Food Bank, a long-standing organization committed to providing nutritious food and support services without judgment. Parkdale’s programs include grocery selection support and home deliveries for those who are unable to visit in person, ensuring that those with illness, disability, or other barriers still receive help. Their tireless work reflects a deep commitment to dignity and respect for all community members. (pcfb)
Our Toy Drive: A Huge Success
Not only did the community rally around our food drive, but the toy drive was a heartwarming success as well. Customers brought in new toys at all six locations, and CAFE matched those donations with contributions from our own staff and every one of our vendors and partners. The result was a massive van load of toys that we delivered to the Yonge Street Mission and Spadina-Fort York Community Centre.
Yonge Street Mission is a Toronto-based charity dedicated to helping people break the cycle of poverty and hardship. By offering comprehensive support services — including access to meals, food bank services, counselling, and programs aimed at empowering youth, families, and adults — Yonge Street Mission addresses both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing across the community. (ysm.ca)
Delivering toys and essentials to these organizations was one of the most gratifying moments of our holiday season. Seeing the literal weight of generosity — a van filled to the brim with donations from customers, partners, and staff — reminded us what is possible when a community comes together.
As we reflect on this season, we are filled with gratitude for everyone who contributed, donated, and shared in the spirit of giving. At CAFE, we’re proud to support initiatives that help our neighbours and strengthen our community — not just during the holidays, but all year long.
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