Posted on May 26th, 2025 by Anoushka Puri

As the new Community Engagement Leader for ARUP’s Toronto office, I recently had the privilege of continuing our collaboration with the Yonge Street Mission (YSM) food bank. Through ARUP, I volunteered alongside several colleagues on Saturday, May 24th, and the experience was both humbling and inspiring.

From the moment we arrived early that morning, there was a shared sense of purpose among all volunteers. Together, we prepared ingredients for a bulk hot meal that would be served to individuals visiting the centre. Tasks ranged from chopping vegetables and opening cans of chickpeas and coconut milk to packing bags of rice. These simple acts, combined with conversations and teamwork, created a powerful sense of community and collective responsibility.

What stood out most to me was the intentional care behind every step. The meals we prepared were not only nutritious but also thoughtfully designed to respect dietary restrictions, as YSM is one of the few organizations offering vegan catering. This attention to detail reminded me that dignity is not just about providing food, but about honoring people’s needs and beliefs.

Later in the afternoon, we assembled personalized food boxes for individuals and families who could not attend in person. Each box was carefully curated to consider preferences and allergies, reinforcing that community service is about seeing and respecting people fully, even when they are not physically present.

Throughout the day, I connected with volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds, deepening my appreciation for the essential work YSM carries out. Their mission goes beyond feeding people—it fosters a sense of belonging and hope in challenging times.

This experience left me feeling grateful and inspired, reinforcing my commitment to meaningful community engagement here in downtown Toronto. I encourage anyone looking to make a difference to learn more about Yonge Street Mission and consider volunteering. Sometimes, showing up on a weekend can become part of something much bigger than ourselves.