About the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank

Since 1986, the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank has been supporting individuals and families in Richmond Hill and Thornhill with emergency food assistance.

What began as a small, community-led effort operating out of a local church has grown into a vital support service. In 2005, the Food Bank moved to its current location on Newkirk Road, where we continue to serve our community today. We are a registered charitable organization (since 1991), dedicated to providing short-term food support to individuals and families in need.

Our Role in the Community

Today, we support over 4,000 residents every month — nearly three times the number of people we served just five years ago. This increase reflects the growing challenges many families are facing, including the impacts of the pandemic, rising costs of living, economic uncertainty, and increased immigration.

Our services support a wide range of individuals and families in the community:

  • 16% are seniors
  • 33% are children (0–18)
  • 51% are adults (19–59)

We rely entirely on the support of our community.

All of our food and financial donations come from individuals, local businesses, schools, faith-based groups, clubs, and organizations. This generosity allows us to continue providing essential support to those who need it most.

Our work is made possible by a dedicated team of 80+ volunteers who help:

  • Sort and organize donated food
  • Stock shelves in our client service area
  • Support clients during visits
  • Distribute fresh items such as eggs, milk, produce, meat, bread, and baked goods

Behind the scenes and on the front lines, our volunteers help ensure the food bank runs smoothly and continues to support families in our community.

Our Leadership Team

Lee Reynolds

Executive Director

BIO

Lee Reynolds has been leading the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2017, following many years as a dedicated volunteer.

With a background in sales, marketing, and customer relations, Lee brings strong leadership and a deep understanding of the organization’s day-to-day operations. Before stepping into her role as General Manager, she volunteered weekly for over eight years, supporting food sorting and client services.

Today, Lee oversees daily operations, volunteer coordination, outreach efforts, corporate donations, and program management. She is committed to ensuring clients are supported with care, respect, and dignity, while continuing to grow the Food Bank’s impact in the community.

Bob Ewart

Warehouse Manager

BIO

Bob has been part of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2018, following many years as a dedicated volunteer.

With a background in sales, Bob now oversees warehouse operations, including receiving food donations, coordinating inventory, and ensuring the smooth flow of supplies to support daily service

Connie Chan

Administrative Assistant

BIO

Connie has been part of the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank team since 2024.

With a background in telecommunications in both Canada and Hong Kong, she brings experience in project coordination and service delivery. Connie supports the day-to-day operations of the food bank by overseeing administration and program delivery, working closely with the Executive Director.

Chair of the Board

BIO

Fergie Reynolds has been a volunteer at the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2013.

A retired senior police leader, Fergie brings strong expertise in community engagement, organizational governance, policy development, and team dynamics. As Chair of the Board, he is committed to advancing the food bank’s mission and strengthening its connection to the community.

Vice Chair

BIO

Chuck Eisen has been involved with the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2016.

He holds a diploma in Marketing Management from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute and brings decades of experience in operations and sales, including leadership roles in the jewellery industry. He later worked in the insurance industry before retiring in 2015. As Vice Chair, Chuck contributes his operational and business experience to support the food bank’s governance and ongoing work in the community.

Treasurer

BIO

Judy Rosenberg has been a volunteer with the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2009. She has been a Board Member and Treasurer since 2015. Judy brings
experience from work at Not For Profit organizations and years of working as a research associate. She is proud and honoured to have found a way to work with the outstanding group of volunteers at the food bank giving back to her community in such a significant way.

Secretary and Social Media Manager

BIO

Marney Beck Robinson has been a volunteer with the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2016 and a member of the Board of Directors since 2019.

A retired journalist and author, Marney brings strong communication skills to her role, supporting both board governance and social media. She remains actively involved in the community and supports several non-profit organizations.

Director and Compliance Manager

BIO

Jerry Kafieh has been a volunteer with the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank since 2021 and a member of the Board of Directors since 2022. He currently serves as Compliance Manager.

A long-time resident of York Region, Jerry brings a strong background in project and portfolio management, with over 25 years of experience in the public health and financial services sectors. He also has a history of community involvement, including volunteer work with the Canadian Red Cross and Global Medic.

Since retiring in 2019, Jerry continues to teach and develop programs in adult education, sharing his expertise with diverse learners.

Director and Human Resources

BIO

Before she retired in 2017 Lynda Muir worked in social services for much of her
professional life, first as a psychotherapist, then program manager, and finally executive
director. She has experience developing and monitoring agency budgets, reviewing
quarterly statistical reports, revising policies and procedures, and overseeing human
resources (HR) functions such as hiring, training and performance evaluations. Lynda has
been a volunteer with the Curtain Club Theatre in Richmond Hill for 25 years and was a
member of the board of directors for 13 years as treasurer, vice president, president,
and past president. Lynda has been a volunteer with the Richmond Hill Community Food
Bank for three years and recently joined the board of directors where she now serves as
chair of the HR committee.

Director

BIO

Vito Spatafora has been involved with the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank for over 30 years. During his time as a Regional Councillor for Richmond Hill, he founded Tastes of the Hill, a community event that raised funds for the Food Bank and other local charities. Since retiring from municipal politics in 2019, Vito has continued to support the organization as a Board Member and volunteer, contributing both at the leadership level and in day-to-day operations.

Director

BIO

Bruce Rhodes, a retired self-employed software developer,  has lived in Richmond Hill since 1988. Bruce has enjoyed his local volunteer activities over the years with his church, L’Arche Daybreak, the local men’s slo-pitch league, and the Richmond Hill Board of Trade. Bruce currently serves as a board member for the Curtain Club Theatre and the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, where he volunteers two mornings each week.

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