Our Mission
Covid Care Collective services Canadians in critical financial need by providing access to essential food, medical and hygiene items.
The current global pandemic is causing a strain for people financially, physically and mentally. It is our goal that no one should have to worry about obtaining basic necessities.
Who We Support
Thousands of Canadians are at-risk of going hungry during this crisis. We provide urgent relief to individuals and families who are in critical financial need of support.
Unlike traditional food banks, Covid Care Collective allows households to tailor orders to meet their specific needs.
The Covid Care Collective cares about you.
HOW WE WORK
APPLY
Families in need may apply for assistance via our online registration.
REVIEW
Applications will be processed and assessed by our dedicated team of volunteers and ranked as either high, medium, or low risk.
DISTRIBUTE
We provide funds/grocery gift-cards to those in need.
Meet The Team
Jenna Tabatznik
Executive Director
Jenna completed her Master’s in Human Rights at Goldsmiths University in the United Kingdom, where she also worked for two international NGOs. Most recently, she was responsible for coordinating and facilitating the development of Amnesty International’s global strategy which launched in 2021. She is skilled in the areas of strategic planning, impact analysis, organizational collaboration and project management. In March 2020, Jenna founded Covid Care Collective and she currently oversees its operation full-time.
Laurel Etkin
Director
After completing a Bachelor’s in Education, Laurel earned her Master’s degree at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science collaborative program in Neuroscience. Laurel is passionate about working with vulnerable populations of youth, specifically those with neurodevelopmental disorders, learning disabilities and social-emotional issues. Laurel acted as the General Manager for a children’s athletic charity for three years where she gained experience working with both disadvantaged communities as well as Fortune 500 corporate sponsors. Laurel’s past experiences enable her to take a professional approach to philanthropic initiatives by implementing novel fundraising strategies as well as sponsorship and partnership arrangements.
Noah Walters
Director
Noah completed his JD/MBA from the University of Ottawa and recently moved home to begin his career at the international law firm, Dentons LLP. While in school, Noah founded the Blockchain Law Society, an emerging technologies consultancy for venture capital, cyber security, and blockchain based businesses. Noah is also the former co-founder of Toronto based social enterprise, Feedback App. Noah brings valuable experience leading and coordinating business development to the Covid Care Collective.
Dillan Jacobson
Co-head of Volunteer and Recipient Operations
Dillan completed her master’s degree in Global Affairs from New York University in 2019, specializing in global gender studies and data analytics. She now works as a programme and coordination consultant at UN Women, the United Nations Entity Dedicated to Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Dillan brings extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector to the Covid Care Collective. Since joining the team, she has been supporting the volunteer management and recipient assessment processes.
Lindsay Feuer
Co-head of Volunteer and Recipient Operations
Upon completing her Bachelors degrees in Psychology at the University of Manitoba, and Social Work at Booth University College, Lindsay began her career in child protection in Winnipeg at the Jewish Child and Family Service (JCFS). In 2019, Lindsay moved to Toronto and accepted the position of counsellor at a private school in Vaughan. Lindsay contributes to strategy, and assesses the volunteers’ and recipients’ eligibility for the Covid Care Collective.
Jaime Tabatznik
Head of Fundraising
Jaime holds a Master’s of Science in Global Health from McMaster University and Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Cognitive Science from McGill University. She currently works at the CIHR, where she supports the management and oversight of Canadian research in infection and immunity. Prior to joining Covid Care Collective, Jaime volunteered at Tshemba Foundation, implementing a health screening program to help children in rural South Africa access adequate ophthalmology care. She is passionate about mitigating the inequities that exist in health and uses this passion to drive outreach programs and fundraising material for Covid Care Collective.
Adam Taras
Head of Finance
Born and raised in Toronto, Adam completed his Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University where he majored in Finance. Adam currently works at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board in Private Equity, where he helps the organization invest the pensions of millions of Canadians to help ensure they have financial security in retirement. Adam realizes that financial security is, unfortunately, not something to be taken for granted and is thrilled to have the opportunity to volunteer with Covid Care Collective to try and help those going through a difficult time gain access to some of their essential goods. Adam brings experience in forecasting and analytics to the team and helps support the day to day recipient process.
Anca Zgardau
Volunteer and Recipient Operations Management Associate
Anca completed her undergraduate studies with a major in Psychology and a minor in Family Child Studies at the University of Guelph. She then completed her thesis in Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology. In 2016, Anca obtained her real estate license and has been working alongside her family ever since. Currently, Anca is working towards obtaining her law degree at the University of Ottawa. In the past, she enjoyed volunteering as a swim instructor, using the skills she gained from years of competitive swimming. In her free time, Anca enjoys playing piano and guitar, as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Mara Georgescu
Volunteer and Recipient Operations Management Associate
Mara is a second year university student completing an honours Bachelor of Science degree specializing in psychology at York University. Prior to joining Covid Care Collective, Mara helped to organize various philanthropy charity events with her university. She also completed her NLS and first aid-CPR-C/worked as a lifeguard, and has volunteered at a physio/speech/occupational therapy clinic for children. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, singing, and cooking. She loves learning more about the healthcare and rehabilitation field and is passionate about helping philanthropic causes. Since joining the Covid Care Collective Mara has helped the team in supporting the recipient assessment process, as well as plan fundraisers for the organization.
Alina Zgardau
Volunteer and Recipient Operations Management Associate
Alina completed her Master’s degree at the University of Toronto’s Institute of Medical Science program in clinical health research focusing in pregnancy and perinatal complications of childhood cancer survivors. Alina is actively involved in numerous volunteer programs around the GTA and is passionate about helping diverse populations in need. Since joining the team, she has been contributing her management and communication skills to support the volunteer management and recipient assessment processes.