Equity Grant Recipient: Sebastian Biasucci and Neighbourlink North York
Toronto – August 12, 2025 – Sebastian Biasucci, of Neighbourlink North York, was a successful recipient of the 2024 UFCW Canada Equity Grant. As the organization’s Marketing and Events Manager, Sebastian helps to support the local charity and community development organization tasked with the mandate to care for each other in practical, relational and sustainable ways.
UFCW Canada was proud to support their signature “Newcomer Welcome Tea” held in Spring 2025. This event brings together volunteers, newcomers, friends and community organizations in the area to network and build on opportunities to support newcomer needs in the short and long-term. Newcomers leave these events with new information and access to resources, as well as new connections.
Forming part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Neighbourlink North York is a community staple. The organization has existed for 30 years, mainly as a volunteer-run organization. They diversified and amplified their programming in 2018, following a horrific van attack which took the lives of 10 pedestrians and injured 16 others in North York. Today, Neighbourlink North York responds to the needs of community by developing programs around these needs. Aside from a small staff compliment of 3-4 workers, they rely heavily on the good will of community volunteers. Receiving limited municipal funding and funding for their Seniors Program, the organization works diligently to maximize every dollar they receive to support their growing programs. This includes running a couple of foodbanks.
One foodbank distributes canned goods, supported with a community collection and fundraising. Food is often purchased at Carlos’ No Frills, a UFCW Local 1006A represented unit, at a discounted price and a van is packed with fresh food monthly to support more than 150 families who are served with this program. They have also worked with Loblaw at Bayview Village and Empress, also unionized employers who have supported their gatherings. Additionally, the organization carries out a mobile food delivery in Spring and Summer, particularly to seniors who face barriers in access to food and/or mobility.
Check out Neighbourlink North York’s video message and if you live in the area, find ways to support in-person at www.neighbourlink.org!
2025 Equity Grant Applications open now!
The Equity Grant Program aims to support newcomer programs, human rights initiatives, and community action projects.
Applications take minutes to complete and are accepted under the Newcomer/Immigration stream, Human Rights stream, or Community Action/Social Justice stream.
Eligibility – Open to UFCW members and community justice activists outside of UFCW who are currently engaged in or looking to engage in a social justice initiative.
Grant Amount - A total of three $1000.00 grants are currently open for application until September 30, 2025.
Learn more about the 2025 Equity Grant Application process.
