Toronto's Top Volunteers - Day 1

We are proud to introduce the launch of "The Projects", a volunteer initiative that strives to provide volunteer opportunities to people, just like you. Through our work with the local Jewish social service agencies in Toronto, "The Project" is honoured to announce our inaugural "Toronto's Top Volunteers Under 40" list. Every day until April 8th we'll introduce a few more volunteers who are making a real difference in our community. The top volunteer will be chosen on April 10th, 2011 at "The Projects" launch party - Timeraiser and award night. For more details click here.

Dave Goodman

Agency: Jewish Family and Child Services

David Goodman has been volunteering for Jewish Family & Child as a volunteer big brother to a young boy since March 2010. He is the Manager of Social Innovations for UJA’s Community Connect, and has volunteered with the homeless and vulnerable families in the community.

David spends his visits and outings with his “little brother” by being a friend, role model and a mentor to him. David truly understands the needs of children and youth and clearly demonstrates that knowledge with the boy who he volunteers with. He’s making an obvious impact in this child’s ife. David is extremely committed, responsible, sensitive, patient and very professional. His strong leadership skills and creativity enables him to volunteer with children, allowing David to act as a mentor and offer guidance and support in every way possible. David is a phenomenal volunteer and is a true leader in this community.

Gilad Epstein

Agency: Jewish Vocational Service

Gilad Epstein joined the JVS Toronto Board of Directors in 2005 and has since brought a wealth of expertise and passion. He is an experienced project manager with business consulting and Technology management experience in both Israel and Canada. He wholeheartedly shares his expertise serving on the Jewish Community Initiative and IT Committees.

Gilad’s dedication to JVS goes beyond his committee work he provides countless hours as a mentor. Shortly after joining the Board he became one of CanadaInfoNet.org’s (an online mentoring website) first mentors and is currently matched with a protégé from Brazil. He is also a mentor to a professional from China through the IPSO (Integrated Pre-arrival Services Online), a federally funded partnership project that provides a comprehensive set of online services and mentoring for Internationally Trained Individuals (ITI) who are preparing to immigrate to Canada.

Gilad supported JVS staff in the implementation of the ParnossahWorksCanada program and serves as the liaison for our EmetEmployment program (ParnossahWorks). This program connects Jewish job-seekers and employers through Emetemployment.ca. He is also the Board liaison for the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), and has been active with the Israeli Business Forum.

As a committed Jewish volunteer, Gilad believes in serving his own community and sharing his knowledge with the community at large, demonstrating his passion for Tikkun Olam.

Check back tomorrow for the next volunteers on our list and please join us at "The Projects" launch party - Timeraiser and award night on April 10th, 2011.