With the start of the new year, we’re reflecting on all the work that we’ve accomplished in 2023 and where we’re heading in 2024. Despite the challenges over the past few years, we’ve managed to make a remarkable impact in our West Toronto neighbourhood thanks to tremendous support from our volunteers, donors, and staff. We’re grateful for our steadfast community and the shared pursuit of a future where food security is a reality for all.
To help kick off the new year, we asked Monty Laskin, The Stop’s newest board member, to share his experience of his first year with us, what has stood out, and what he wishes for our community in 2024.
Tell us a little bit about yourself, and why you were drawn to working with The Stop.
I recently left a position heading up a large multi-service organization northwest of Toronto, where poverty reduction and food support were vital components of the work. I was privileged to be the CEO for 17 years, a run that was nurturing and allowed me to grow and do work that I enjoyed. It shaped much of my thinking today about what we all need (community) and what we all deserve (opportunities to thrive). The Stop had long been a model for our work, it was a bit of a “benchmark” for what we aspired to accomplish. In making an exciting career change, I wanted to maintain opportunities to be involved in work that’s very dear to me. The Stop was looking for new board members, and I threw my hat into the ring. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity to work with Shae and an exceptional group of community builders.
What’s it like being part of the board at The Stop?
What’s it like? No one word can capture it all. It’s engaging, compelling, and challenging. I so appreciate Shae and the staff team’s immense challenges in an environment that’s oftentimes less than ideal. Staffing challenges; inflation that’s a huge burden on operations; fundraising that’s so competitive because of the breadth of needs across sectors; and public funds that are becoming increasingly difficult to secure and grow. As a member of the board, I’m looking to contribute in ways that help Shae and her team realize our mission. I’m still learning about all we do; fellow Board members have been so welcoming and very good mentors—every lesson has been a joy.
What, if anything, has surprised you about The Stop?
I’m accustomed to work cultures that are embracing, where compassion is front and centre, places that strive to be client focused. The Stop’s culture is legendary, honed through an impressive legacy. So the staff and volunteers’ embrace of those we serve and the principles upon which everything is done here hasn’t surprised me. It’s the extraordinary strength of those convictions that has. It’s nice to be a part of it, to contribute as a member of this team.
If you could communicate one thing to the world about our work, what would it be?
We really know how to embrace those who want to do our work with us. We understand that we can be a catalyst for change but it’s the community around us, people from all walks of life, that make good things happen. While food justice is a tool to engage, the secret sauce is really the strength of a shared conviction amongst so many different people.
What’s your wish for The Stop’s community for 2024?
That we find strength in our shared convictions, that we encourage our own conversations about different ways to respond to challenges that threaten our mission. The landscape in our city and in our province isn’t becoming more welcoming; many community organizations are struggling to find firm footing. My wish for The Stop is to be bold in finding its firm footing for the year ahead, to adjust and manage all that’s in the way of serving our community.