Who We Are
Learn about our mission, vision, values, and the story behind 20 years of youth-led community impact.
Our Mission
To inspire, support, educate and empower youth to compassionately give back by collecting food and funds for our network of member agencies serving families in their local communities.
Our Vision
We aim to eliminate food insecurity while building lifelong values of empathy, leadership, and volunteerism in young people. We believe in a future shaped by compassion, where no one in our communities, or across Canada, goes hungry.
Our Values
Youth Empowerment
We believe in educating and inspiring young people to take the lead in creating positive change.
Integrity & Honesty
We act with transparency and earn the trust of our communities, partners, and volunteers.
Caring
We care deeply about those in need and about the families, youth, and volunteers who make this work possible.
Accountability
We honour our commitments and strive to continuously improve our programs and partnerships.
Equity & Dignity
We believe access to nutritious food is a basic human right and serve all individuals with respect.
Collaboration
We work together with community agencies, local organizations, schools and sports organizations to build stronger, more connected communities.
Our Story
The History of the Gift
In the mid-1990’s, Founder of The Gift, Jean Longfield, wanted her son’s hockey season to be about more than just the game. At nine years old, he was joining the Burlington Eagles, and like every kid, was excited to pick out new sticks, skates, and gear. But Jean couldn’t help thinking about the families in her own community who didn’t have the same opportunities, where even putting food on the table was a struggle.
With help from other parents, she sent the boys door-to-door collecting food for local families. They filled wagons and hockey bags that day, and sparked what would in 2005, become The Gift of Giving Back Charity.
What began with one team now includes dozens of youth groups collecting food and essentials for local agencies. From the start, Jean’s vision was about more than food. It was about giving youth the chance to lead, to understand the needs in their community, and to discover that their actions, no matter their age, can create real change.
Our Why
We believe young people are powerful agents of change. By giving youth the tools and opportunities to make a difference, we teach them the importance of compassion, community, and social responsibility. The Gift isn’t just about food, it’s about shaping compassionate, engaged citizens who grow up seeing giving back as part of who they are.
The Four Cornerstones of the Gift
Practice Compassion & Respect
We encourage young people to recognize and respond to those in need with empathy, dignity and kindness.
Learn Through Education & Awareness
We connect youth with the hard-working community agencies that support vulnerable people every day and teach them how hunger impacts real families.
Lead with Youth Empowerment
We inspire kids to be change-makers, helping them discover the power of their own actions and voices, to lift other kids up.
Give Through Volunteerism & Community Engagement
We foster a tradition of giving time and energy to help others—thriving communities are built on the spirit of volunteers.
Leadership & Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated board members and staff leading our mission.