Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
This weekend, two Toronto women decided to take a long walk for a good cause.
Friends Samantha Ruth and Amanda Gracia walked the entire 30-kilometre length of the TTC’s Line 2 on Saturday, from Kennedy to Kipling stations, to raise money for Toronto organization Out of the Cold (OOTC). The interfaith program provides food, shelter and support to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
“We’re doing what we can to help raise awareness,” said Ruth. “Because at the end of the day, they’re our neighbours.”
Last year, Ruth and Gracia walked 15 kilometres from Finch station to Union station together, but this year they decided to use the opportunity as a fundraiser.
Ruth has previously volunteered with OOTC, she said, while Gracia is a dietitian.
“We thought feed insecurity would be sort of the perfect overlap topic for both of us,” said Ruth.
“As someone who does volunteer for Out of the Cold, I’ve talked to these people, I’ve seen first hand what they need in terms of food and housing. It’s important that we help people,” she said.
The pair were inspired by a friend who was cycling to raise money for cancer research for SickKids, said Ruth.
So far, they have raised a little over $1,000 — enought to pay for 200 hot meals — but they’ll continue to accept donations throughout the week, they said.
A 2024 report from the city shows one in four households in Toronto are affected by food insecurity. Friends Samantha Ruth and Amanda Gracia are seeking to raise awareness. (Spencer Gallichan-Lowe/CBC)
One in four households in Toronto are affected by food insecurity, according to a 2024 report from the city.
That in part is because the cost to feed a family of four for a month has risen to over $1,200, according to the to the Ontario Nutritious Food Basket, which monitors food affordability.
Food program designed to ‘fill the gaps’
The rising cost of food and rent has forced people to choose between paying rent or purchasing groceries, especially towards the end of the month, according to Rafi Aaron, co-founder and chair of the OOTC meal program at Saint Luke’s United Church in Toronto’s east end.
“They may be eating once a day. They may be barely eating just so that they can keep a roof over their heads,” he said.
Saint Luke’s serves around 900 meals a week to those in need and provides outreach to those living on the street, Aaron said.
“The program was designed to fill the gaps to reach people who are falling through the food food security network,” he said. “Almost half of our meals are served in outreach to people who are facing housing issues or who are unhoused or precariously housed.”
Ruth and Gracia’s fundraising walk was an inspiring example, Aaron said.
“We’re thrilled that people are going the extra mile, or in this case, the extra kilometres for the meal program,” he said. “It encourages us at a time when we are being overwhelmed by people in need of of hot meals, and just taking that extra initiative really means a lot.”
Ruth and Gracia say they’re not done raising money for good causes, and hope their walks become an annual tradition.
“We’ll see what the next year brings,” said Gracia.