Skip to main content

“I Am Only One… But I Can Do Something”

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a responsibility to give back. 

Even as a child, that instinct was there. My wonderful and caring mother was a zone leader with the Salvation Army, and I would go door to door with her asking for donations. I loved it. I remember one gentleman who gave $100 every year—which felt like a fortune at the time. His generosity stayed with me – showing me what was possible with a caring heart.  

I’ve always had a lot of time to think. I began to reflect early on what I wanted my life—and eventually my legacy—to look like. I’ve always felt a deep, personal connection to Jesus Christ. There was a warmth there, something guiding me. And I knew I wanted my life to reflect His love and compassion for the world.

I first started doing volunteer work with Scott Mission in 1978 when I was just 18 years old, and in two years it will be 50 years of working alongside them. I don’t even remember exactly how I found the Mission—maybe it was the Good Samaritan logo that drew me into a lifetime of caring about their work in the City of Toronto. 

That Christmas, I reached out to ask if I could help deliver toys and food. That’s when I met the people who would shape my journey—Elaine Markovic and Reverend Zeidman.  

What I saw at the Mission changed me. It was an eye-opener—seeing how differently people lived, and how great the need really was. It stayed with me, and it motivated me to act. Because while food and shelter are essential, people also have emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. We all need something more. We all need dignity. 

I’ve always believed in giving people the best—not leftovers. Like Mother Teresa said, we should give our best to the poor. 

Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to use my career to give back. I have worked in radio for 40 years—something I never imagined as a child with a speech impediment. I truly believe God helped me overcome that challenge and I’m thankful. 

Through my career at Zoomer Media, I have launched three fundraising campaigns to benefit Scott Mission. The Holiday Hope Fund was born 17 years ago and then a few years ago I launched the Camp for Kids Fund to send kids to Scott Mission summer camp. And in 2023, we developed the Thanksgiving Fund—all in memory of Elaine Markovic to benefit Scott Mission.  

I’m so honoured to know that through our joint efforts, on the radio and in Blog TO, over the past 17 years we have raised over $775,000 for Scott Mission. Plus, the free media exposure at a value of over $3 million dollars. I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure that continues to reinforce one truth:

A caring and loving mother raised her son with a passion to make a difference for those who are less fortunate. And in her honour, one man kept her legacy alive with the idea that he could make a difference to impact and bless thousands of his neighbours, across the City of Toronto, who are facing insurmountable challenges just to get by.

Legacy, to me, means making a difference even after you’re gone. It means leaving a positive footprint. 

That’s why I’ve chosen to include the Scott Mission in my estate plans, with a gift of $100,000, along with my other charitable commitments. 

I believe giving shouldn’t stop when life does.  We are meant to live in community—not just for ourselves, but for others. 

I’m not extraordinary. I’m just doing what I can. I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

And when my time comes, I want to go out the same way I came in—trying to be a good person. 

Hoping that what I’ve given…continues to do good…one life at a time!

Thank you for reading Christopher’s story. If you would like more information on how to leave a legacy at Scott Mission,
please contact our Philanthropy Team at philanthropy@scottmission.com.