Toronto's Top Volunteers - Day 2

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.

Jessica Taylor

Agency: Birthright Israel Alumni Community

Jessica Taylor has been volunteering for several years with the Birthright Israel Alumni Community, and her relentless dedication has been nothing short of amazing. Since returning from her Birthright Israel trip in 2007, she has been getting involved in community volunteerism on every level. She has chaired Back2Fashion and has been involved in the March of the Living, and is currently a Birthright Israel mentor. She won't stop at anything to be involved and help her community.

Ben Barth

Agency: Free Loan Cassa

Twenty-four-year-old Ben Barth is so passionate about his community that he feels privileged to have the opportunity to give back through his volunteering with the Toronto Jewish Free Loan Cassa. He has been actively involved in extra-curricular Jewish activities for the last eight years, including launching a group for Jewish-Muslim dialogue while in university. Ben currently works in Competitive Intelligence for Rogers Communications and is a graduate of the Schulich School of Business. His interest in global affairs and cross-cultural relations has led him to visit 19 countries since 2007, including holding volunteer positions with the Peres Center for Peace in Tel Aviv and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. Since his first contact with Toronto Jewish Free Loan Cassa a year ago, Ben has been hands-on in every way in the organization -- he even personally interviews loan applicants. Through his committee participation, he brings a fresh perspective to the team. His unique blend of enthusiasm, creativity and heartfelt compassion made Ben an obvious nominee.

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.