Trish manages the day-to-day operations of The Compass Food Bank, in which a typical day consists of providing leadership and direction to the various teams, as well as interacting with clients. Trish has been with The Compass for 11 years. Her previous work experience, managing a large retail chain store for a Top 100 company and working in a fast-paced food service position, helped her enhance the many skills needed to lead a food bank. Trish makes split-second decisions, at times, that impact the thousands of clients she serves each week.
Sheryl began her time with The Compass as a volunteer herself. She joined the staff team 8 years ago. Sheryl’s passion for giving back to the community, paired with her previous experience as a computer programmer and project manager for The Bank of Montreal, has been a valuable asset to The Compass. Sheryl is responsible for managing over 400 volunteers, who donated over 45,000 hours last year together. Sheryl’s day-to-day involves recruiting, training and supporting all volunteers to help keep our volunteer-centric organization running.
Previously a dedicated Compass volunteer for many years, The Compass saw an opportunity to hire Karen to help make order out of chaos. Karen is responsible for organizing The Compass and ensuring the warehouse and our market shelves are complete when it’s time for client orders to be picked up. She also works with Food Bank Mississauga as needed. In Karen’s role, she manages purchasing food and hygiene products required in the back and kitchen. It’s a balancing act most days, and Karen ensures every inch of space is used to its fullest.
Melinda has been with The Compass 3 years as a staff member and 3 years as a volunteer. Her previous career experience, in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds, helped her hone her skills to successfully manage small and large fundraising events, grow revenue by way of grant writing and building strong relationships with both current and new donors. Melinda learned how to negotiate early on in her career and this has been an asset for decades. Being part of a strong team is important to her and she has found that and more at The Compass.
Tracey joined The Compass earlier this year after spending 31 years at the Region of Peel in various roles. Tracey’s most recent role was supporting the homeless population as a housing support worker. During her time at the Region, she developed a strong and successful working relationship with The Compass. When the opportunity to join the dynamic team of staff and volunteers appeared, it was an opportunity that would allow her to continue helping and working within an organization that she has great respect and admiration for. Her wealth of knowledge is an asset to our clients in need.
Having grown up in south Mississauga, Jaclyn was well aware of The Compass’ positive impact on the community. In the summer of 2019, Jaclyn decided she wanted to give back to her community by volunteering at The Compass, marking a new chapter in her life. Her experiences inspired her to pursue a degree in Social Work, deepening her commitment to community service. Jaclyn regularly meets with new and existing clients to create and maintain a safe, supportive environment, ensuring The Compass meets their needs effectively.
In her position at The Compass, Suesie provides invaluable support to the staff team from an administrative perspective. Although her work is heavily geared towards supporting volunteer management, Suesie has made great strides in formalizing processes. Suesie has strengthened the office volunteer admin team with the knowledge she developed as a long-time office volunteer herself. Suesie continues to lead our Women’s Group program which she has done for years.
Michelle joined The Compass as a volunteer in 2021 to give back during the pandemic. She worked in various roles within the market, kitchen, and client services, connecting with clients one-on-one. Before The Compass, Michelle supported survivors of violence and worked in gender-based violence research and training. Recently, she shifted to accounting at The Compass, utilizing her organizational and numeric skills.
Fiona recently joined The Compass Staff Team after volunteering for the last few years in the warehouse under Karen’s supervision. She found a place at The Compass, where she could help the community by using her time to organize, collaborate and implement new procedures in the warehouse and market. Fiona also enjoyed hosting corporate tours and events. Fiona is now excited to put all her life skills together as our new Kitchen Coordinator. In her role, Fiona will oversee the day to day operations of the Kitchen. She is very passionate about interacting with both clients and volunteers as she grows in her role.
staff description
Trish manages the day-to-day operations of The Compass Food Bank, in which a typical day consists of providing leadership and direction to the various teams, as well as interacting with clients. Trish has been with The Compass for 11 years. Her previous work experience, managing a large retail chain store for a Top 100 company and working in a fast-paced food service position, helped her enhance her many skills needed to lead a food bank. Trish makes split second decisions, at times, that impact the thousands of clients she serves each week.
Sheryl began her time with The Compass as a volunteer herself. She joined the staff team 8 years ago. Sheryl’s passion for giving back to the community, paired with her previous experience as a computer programmer and project manager for The Bank of Montreal, has been a valuable asset to The Compass. Sheryl is responsible for managing over 400 volunteers, who together donated over 45,000 hours last year. Sheryl’s day-to-day involves recruiting, training and supporting all volunteers to help keep our volunteer-centric organization running.
Previously a dedicated Compass volunteer for many years, The Compass saw an opportunity to hire Karen to help make order out of chaos. Karen is responsible for the organization of The Compass, ensuring the warehouse and our market shelves are full when it’s time for client orders to be picked. She also works with Food Banks Mississauga as needed. In Karen’s role, she manages the purchasing of food and hygiene products required in the back as well as in the kitchen. It’s a balancing act most days and Karen ensures every inch of space is used to its fullest.
Melinda has been with The Compass 3 years as a staff member and 3 years as a volunteer. Her previous career experience, in both the for-profit and non-profit worlds, helped her hone her skills to successfully manage small and large fundraising events, grow revenue by way of grant writing and building strong relationships with both current and new donors. Melinda learned how to negotiate early on in her career and this has been an asset for decades. Being part of a strong team is important to her and she has found that and more at The Compass.
Tracey joined The Compass earlier this year after spending 31 years at the Region of Peel in various roles. Tracey’s most recent role was supporting the homeless population as a housing support worker. During her time at the Region, she developed a strong and successful working relationship with The Compass. When the opportunity to join the dynamic team of staff and volunteers appeared, it was an opportunity that would allow her to continue helping and working within an organization that she has great respect and admiration for. Her wealth of knowledge is an asset to our clients in need.
Having grown up in south Mississauga, Jaclyn was well aware of The Compass’ positive impact on the community. In the summer of 2019, Jaclyn decided she wanted to give back to her community by volunteering at The Compass, marking a new chapter in her life. Her experiences inspired her to pursue a degree in Social Work, deepening her commitment to community service. Jaclyn regularly meets with new and existing clients to create and maintain a safe, supportive environment, ensuring The Compass meets their needs effectively.
In her position at The Compass, Suesie provides invaluable support to the staff team from an administrative perspective. Although her work is heavily geared towards supporting volunteer management, Suesie has made great strides in formalizing processes. Suesie has strengthened the office volunteer admin team with the knowledge she developed as a long-time office volunteer herself. Suesie continues to lead our Women’s Group program which she has done for years.
Michelle joined The Compass as a volunteer in 2021 to give back during the pandemic. She worked in various roles within the market, kitchen, and client services, connecting with clients one-on-one. Before The Compass, Michelle supported survivors of violence and worked in gender-based violence research and training. Recently, she shifted to accounting at The Compass, utilizing her organizational and numeric skills.
After a lengthy career in the employee benefits and pensions field, Gwen retired and embarked on the next chapter in her life. Driven by her desire to give back to society, Gwen has been with The Compass since the fall of 2018, volunteering in a variety of roles, including tax preparation and client services. Over this time, she has seen the positive impact The Compass and its volunteers have on the clients and the community.
With 30 years experience in the not-for-profit and government sector, Leslie brings a passion for educational programming and the promotion of arts and science. Developing and delivering free programs into underserved communities has allowed her to better connect and understand the needs of our most vulnerable neighbourhoods. Leslie is a talented and experienced grant writer, as well.
Sue Taptelis has worked in the investment field at BMO Nesbitt Burns for 28 years. She initially began as an assistant and then pursued additional qualifications, achieving the title of Investment Advisor. More recently, Sue obtained her CIM® license, adding Portfolio Manager to her qualifications. Since 2017, Sue has held many volunteer positions at The Compass. She leads by example, and has positively influenced her son, and daughter to volunteer, and work at The Compass, in various capacities.
Learn more about our impact and discover how we’ve supported our community.
We are a food bank and community outreach centre located in and serving South Mississauga within the postal codes L5E, L5G, L5H and L5J.
Dear Compass Supporters,
As you may know, the ongoing Canada-wide postal strike has disrupted mail services, creating challenges for individuals and organizations nationwide.
For The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre, this disruption is especially concerning as we enter a crucial season for our “Spread The Joy” Christmas Campaign, Giving Tuesday, and End-of-Year Giving Campaigns. These initiatives are vital to funding essential programs and services that provide groceries, hot meals, and outreach to thousands of neighbors experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.
If you typically send your donations by cheque, we kindly ask you to consider making your donation online or over the phone instead.
Phone Donations
You can also donate by phone by calling us at 905-274-9309, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Tax Receipts
Tax receipts are issued immediately for donations made online. Donations made over the phone are issued in February 2025.
Your generosity allows us to continue providing vital support to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time.
With gratitude,
The Compass Food Bank & Outreach Centre