Our Story

About Us

Our mission, our values, and the people behind CRN

Our Mission

Reducing food insecurity, restoring dignity, and connecting communities.

Community Relief Network was founded with a singular purpose: to strengthen micro-communities across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. We believe that real, lasting change begins at the neighbourhood level — when neighbours come together, communities thrive.

Our work centres on four key pillars that address the most pressing needs in our communities. From delivering culturally appropriate food hampers to families facing food insecurity, to assembling dignity kits for women and girls experiencing period poverty, every program is designed with care, respect, and the lived experiences of our neighbours in mind.

We are also deeply committed to uplifting the elderly and isolated members of our communities through home visits, companionship, and invitations to gathering spaces where all residents feel seen, valued, and connected.

Reduce Food Insecurity

Nutritious, culturally appropriate food relief for families in need.

Support Dignity

Hygiene kits and services delivered without stigma or judgement.

Uplift the Elderly

Companionship, meals, and connection for isolated seniors.

Create Gathering Spaces

Free events that bring people together and build belonging.

Our Vision
“
A Greater Toronto Area where no neighbour goes hungry, no person lacks essential hygiene products, and every community block is connected through compassion, dignity, and mutual support.
— Community Relief Network
Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

These four values are the foundation of our organization and inform every decision we make, every program we run, and every life we touch.

Community First

At our core, we believe that neighbours helping neighbours is the most powerful force for change. Every program we create starts with listening to the community and responding to their expressed needs, not assumptions.

Dignity & Respect

Every person who walks through our doors or receives our support is treated with the utmost dignity. Our services are delivered without stigma, judgement, or unnecessary barriers, because everyone deserves to be seen and valued.

Inclusivity

Our programs are open to all, regardless of background, ethnicity, faith, gender, or circumstance. The Greater Toronto Area is one of the most diverse regions in the world, and our organization reflects and celebrates that diversity in everything we do.

Transparency

We operate with open, honest communication at every level. From how we allocate donations to how we measure impact, our community and supporters always know where their contributions go and the difference they make.

Leadership

Meet Our Founders

The passionate individuals who came together with a shared vision to strengthen micro-communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

OE Photo Coming Soon

Omar Elsherif

Founder & President

As Founder and President of Community Relief Network, Omar leads the organization's vision and strategic direction. Driven by a deep commitment to social equity and community empowerment, Omar brings passion for grassroots organizing and a vision for a connected, food-secure Greater Toronto Area.

Jerold Morena — Director of Accounting

Jerold Morena

Director of Accounting

Jerold oversees all financial operations at CRN, ensuring every dollar donated is managed with integrity and directed toward maximum community impact. His meticulous approach to accounting and financial transparency helps maintain donor trust and organizational sustainability.

KM Photo Coming Soon

Kate McAran

Co-Founder, Vice President & Director of Operations

Kate serves as Co-Founder, Vice President, and Director of Operations, managing the day-to-day delivery of all CRN programs. From food hamper logistics to dignity kit assembly and community event planning, Kate ensures every initiative runs smoothly and meets the highest standards of care.

Our Reach

Areas we serve across the GTA

From downtown Toronto to the surrounding municipalities, we are proud to serve eight communities and growing.

Toronto

Scarborough

North York

Etobicoke

Mississauga

Brampton

Markham

Richmond Hill