One day, Leaside Life co-owner Jeff Hohner took me aside and said, “There’s someone I’d like you to meet. I think she’d be a great addition.” He told me that this writer had a particular interest in sports, at a time when we needed to add more sports voices since Leaside is such a sports-happy (fanatic?) community.
That was seven years ago, and that writer – Susan Scandiffio – has since gone on to pen dozens of sports-related articles as well as other stories of wide interest for us. In some cases, we’ve even joked that it was a “Susan” issue, since she had so many stories in the publication that month.
What I didn’t know seven years ago, but came to realize, was that Susan is much more than a talented sports writer. She’s a passionate community advocate who, especially, has built a lasting emotional bridge between Leaside and Thorncliffe Park.
As fellow Agnes Macphail Award recipient – and Leaside Life publisher – Lorna Krawchuk writes in this issue: “When Covid-19 arrived in March 2020, Susan quickly realized that many people in Thorncliffe Park were going to be adversely affected by the many pandemic restrictions, especially regarding access to food. She approached The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) about setting up a food bank. … She got the word out, and neighbourhood volunteers stepped up.”
Susan does not know the meaning of the word “no,” to the point that no one dares say no to her. And we are all the better for her tenacity.
So proud!
Editor’s note: Leaside Life boasts a wealth of Agnes Macphail Award recipients, including Lorna Krawchuk, Geoff Kettel, Carol Burtin Fripp and Ruth Goldhar.
