It was no subject to joke about for one Toronto comedian, as he assisted in producing an event fundraising for the hungry in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
In early April, Jon DePaola co-produced Comedy Cares 2023, along with fellow comedian Vong Show. In the midst of the ongoing food crisis in Toronto, DePaola and Show were looking for ways to help others in need. Together, they organized a fundraiser and food drive, and assembled a show at The Rivoli in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank.
The Daily Bread Food Bank is one of Canada’s largest food banks, providing food to member agencies all across Toronto and the GTA.
“We wanted to work for a worthy cause,” said DePaola. For DePaola, it was his first time working with Comedy Cares.
The show sold out, hosting 75 audience members in attendance, many of whom came to show their support for the cause.
“Audiences are more inclined to go to a show that is supporting a great cause,” DePaola explained. “It puts more pressure on the comedians to put on a great show because they know the event is geared to support a great cause.”
In addition to the 95 pounds of food and $350 that was raised through the show, many audience members reached out for other ways to help and give back.
DePaola described the event as absolutely a resounding success on multiple levels.
For more information about assisting the efforts of the Daily Bread Food Bank, visit their website. If you are looking to give a physical donation of food or non-perishable items, they can be dropped off in the yellow daily bread boxes located outside of all of the City of Toronto’s fire halls.
