June 16, 2009
Metro News Toronto

Heather Buchan

The employees of Deloitte in southern Ontario, who, for one day each year, head out into their communities to participate in betterment projects. Last year, local teams not only sorted food at a crisis shelter, but also helped new immigrants update their resumés, and spruce up on their interview skills and job-finding techniques. Called Impact Day, this year’s event will be held Sept. 26.

Other hometown heroes include:

• Jim Doholis, who raises $5,000 each year in The Toronto Challenge for the Almise Co-operative for seniors where his mom lives. His contributions over the years have helped lower the monthly cost of Almise’s shuttle bus down to $3 per person from $18 per person.
• Ryan Rogers, a Torontonian who volunteers with the Toronto Intergeneration Partnerships — an organization that helps to close the gap between different generations and promote tolerance for people of all ages through various programs and events — teaching seniors computer skills and also acting as a youth adviser.
• Mhad Yusuf, a Somali refugee who is the executive director of Midaynta Community Services, a Toronto-based organization providing settlement and support services to African refugees and immigrants to facilitate their integration into Canadian society.
• Matthew Blackett, publisher of the magazine Spacing, has a big influence on how we consider public spaces in Toronto, shining the spotlight on the city’s hidden urban gems.
• Rhonda Teitel-Payne, urban agriculture manager at The Stop Community Food Centre in the Davenport West neighbourhood.

Reference:  Metro News