Vasiljevic and Wright ready to run to Toronto to raise $10K for Aurora’s Food Pantry

August 20, 2026 · 0 Comments

Aurora’s most magnanimous marathoners are locked and loaded to raise over $10,000 for the Aurora Food Pantry next weekend

For the fifth consecutive year, Nem Vasiljevic and Taylor Wright will start their 42.2 KM charity fundraising trek to Toronto from the Filly and Co. where Vasiljevic is the congenial Bar Manager. The dynamic duo will complete their arduous journey at the CN Tower on Sunday, August 23.

Taylor, who just graduated from Teachers’ College, is ready to raise much-needed funds for the local food bank.

Helping food banks has been a long-time tradition in her life.

“I did my high school community service hours at a food bank. It seemed like an important thing for us to do five years ago. It hard to believe, but we’ve raised over $34,385 over the last four years and, including this year’s amount so far, it’s over $43,000 all together.”

The aspiring teacher and part-time server is moved by the community’s support of their annual Charity Run.

“It’s cool that we have posters up in bars across Town. The Filly has the best community spirit—they’re so supportive. I can’t believe we’ve been doing this for five years. The support has been so impressive.”

Vasiljevic, whose wife Laura volunteered as a food bank deliverer in Barrie until the program ran out of funds to operate, knows the importance of raising funds to battle food insecurity.

“Giving back to the community is definitely first in terms of the most satisfying aspect of our annual run. A close second is a couple of cold Steam Whistles at the end of the run. We always end the run around 10:45 at the Steam Whistle Brewing Roundhouse by the Rogers Centre. It opens at 11 a.m.”

In quick-fire response to her running partner’s insights, Wright discloses their traditional post-marathon combo at Steam Whistle: “Two pints and a pretzel for carb loading and then someone comes to pick us up.”

Vasiljevic and Wright have come to embrace the sights and sounds of the GTA when they set off from the Filly and CO at 5:45 a.m.

Vasiljevic explains, “I like the early morning start—we try to stay out of the hottest sun of the day. It’s really quiet on Yonge Street and it’s so historic. It’s also a scenic run, but a mundane drive. We recognize every detail as we’re running, including Miller Tavern, which is very tempting once we get into Toronto.”

Wright echoes her running partner’s insights about the tranquility of running a marathon early on a Sunday morning: “It’s great to see the city wake up and to see the street lights turn off one by one. We also pass TMU where I went to school.”

Both Vasiljevic and Wright expressed their gratitude for the $8,627 they’ve raised so far and are closing in on their $10,000 goal to support the Aurora Food Pantry.

Vasiljevic encouraged prospective benefactors to “Donate what you can.”

“If you can’t give, share our message and make a quick re-post on social media.”

Wright concurred and the long-time food bank volunteer added, “If you can’t donate money, donate your time at the Aurora Food Pantry.”

Time has been of the essence for both Vasiljevic and Wright as they prepare their bodies for the 26-mile jaunt down Yonge Street.

The marathon is second nature to Wright, but it has its own special challenges.

“I’ve loved running all my life since I raced in an elementary school cross country meet. I don’t love going to the gym, but I’ve been going with a group of friends which makes it more fun. Strength training is an important part of injury prevention while you’re preparing for a marathon. I went to Guatemala in February and hiked volcanoes to build endurance. All the prior training comes together because you have a goal in mind and the training gets done.”

Vasiljevic provided his own training update: “I’m entering my deloading week since it’s a week today so I’ll be cutting down on running. Normally, I’m running 25-20 KM a week and biking for over an hour to do another 25 KM. Any low impact exercise will be in place this week, including swimming. The bike has been a lifesaver because being on my feet for 10-12 hours behind the bar is a killer when you still have to put in your miles.”

To donate to Nem and Taylor’s Charity Marathon and support the Aurora Food Pantry, go to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/nem-taylors-5th-annual-charity-marathon or visit the Aurora Food Pantry’s website for their promotion of this annual fundraiser at https://aurorafoodpantry.ca.

By Jim Stewart
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter