Top Volunteers 2024
Scott Ellis
My favourite thing about volunteering with VFR is the ability to see firsthand the immediate positive impact that our food rescues have on our nonprofits and the community members that they support.
Scott’s Holiday Plans: After a vacation break in December, I plan to be home for the holidays and ready to begin assisting VFR in achieving continued growth and their ambitious 2025 goals!
Barb Estey
I find it truly heart opening to know that we’re helping so many neighbourhood food programs across Metro Vancouver with donations. The VFR app is amazing — it makes the job effortless. Plus, the team in the back office are amazing support. It’s such a flexible program: I can fit in food rescues when I’m able, and can drop them if needed. But I also love weekly food rescues, which help to structure my weeks.
Barb’s Holiday Plans: I’m heading out of town to enjoy some sunshine and warmth in Arizona, where I’ll be visiting friends. It’s a nice time of year to reconnect with them, but I’ll also continue to help VFR when food insecurity is so prevalent.
Mike Woodbridge
Firstly, it feels great to know I’m doing my part to help divert the ridiculous amount of food waste to organizations that can put it to good use supporting the community. Secondly, I love the convenience of the Vancouver Food Runners app — it makes it so easy to drop my regular pickups, if needed. And if I have time (and if my son hasn’t borrowed the car!), I can take on extra rescues.
Mike’s Holiday Plans: Spending time with family and friends—and getting back on my bicycle after a recent crash!
Donna Cho
My favourite things about volunteering for Vancouver Food Runners is knowing that I’m making a difference in both reducing food waste and supporting social service organizations with much-needed donations for their food programs. I also enjoy socializing with the staff at the food businesses and the different charities we work with.
Donna’s Holiday Plans: In the upcoming holiday season, I’ll be busy volunteering, visiting seniors, and helping them engage more with the community outside their homes.
Gai Coutts
The #1 thing I love about Vancouver Food Runners, it is a culmination of things that keeps me enthusiastic!
Every time I do a food rescue, I'm so warmed by the people I meet. They are kind, giving, and empathetic to the needs of many people living in Vancouver. There is no negativity, but an awareness that together we can make difference in the lives of others.
I've really enjoyed discovering parts of my city that many avoid out of fear. I also love how flexible I can be with scheduling my food rescues to fit into my life. I’m incredibly grateful to the staff at VFR for their outstanding support, attentiveness, and availability. Kudos to all of you!
Marianne Stowe-Thomson
My favourite thing about volunteering with VFR is meeting all the incredible people who are out there helping to feed and support those who need extra assistance at this time. It's fantastic how many organizations and volunteers Vancouver has. With each food rescue, I meet another group of compassionate, positive, beautiful humans— all making a difference. It’s really heartwarming.
Marianne’s Holiday Plans: Other than time with family & friends, reaching my goal of 100 food rescues this year!
Garth & Susie
It feels great to have a way to make an essential contribution to our community; and it's always enjoyable meeting the friendly folks at the pickup and delivery points who help make it happen.
Garth & Susie’s Holiday Plans: We’re looking forward to our annual holiday fun at the East Van Panto "Robin Hood."
Anita Balanko
My favourite thing about volunteering with VFR is the immense satisfaction and sense of purpose it brings me—it's a win-win situation.
Knowing that what I’m doing is both reducing food waste and helping to supply food to essential social programs is very gratifying.
Anita’s Holiday Plans: The holidays give me a chance to enjoy more relaxed visits with my daughters and granddaughters. First up is the East Van Panto, which has become a family tradition—it’s so much fun for all ages! We also enjoy getting outside for activities like hiking and snowshoeing. Playing board games is on our list too. Oh, and most likely a sleepover with my two granddaughters!
Mona Shad
My favourite thing about volunteering with Vancouver Food Runners is knowing that we’re making a difference. Through food recovery solutions, we’re combating food waste and making a positive social impact, and I’m proud to be part of this opportunity.
Mona’s Holiday Plans: I am looking forward to decorating and celebrating Christmas with my family! Hot cocoa and movies, shopping downtown with loved ones, and cozy winter clothes is just the beginning of the best time of the year. I really enjoy the holidays and the warm, loving feeling that comes along with it. If we’re lucky, it’ll be a snowy white Christmas this year.
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