These plant-based restaurateurs are expanding their reach across the globe!
Shortly after transitioning their Ontario-based Mediterranean restaurant to a fully vegan menu, The Lemon Tree owners Isabella Bujor and Billy Qorri, wanted to expand their reach even further. With big hearts, the duo launched The Giving Bowl, a non-profit providing support to children in Uganda. Check out their journey from plant-based restaurateurs to global philanthropists.
The Inspiring Journey Behind the Giving Bowl
Despite working seven days a week at the restaurant, helping others was always at the forefront for Bujor and Qorri. Having come from countries where poverty was widespread, this experience fueled a deep desire to give those less fortunate a chance at a better life. After traveling the world, they began sharing their dream of creating something meaningful—The Giving Bowl.
In the summer of 2018, a simple conversation led them to a small nonprofit seeking a successor. By 2019, Bujor had made her first solo trip to Uganda, where she instantly connected with the children and the local manager. And the rest is history! Since then, Bujor has made annual trips, with a brief pause during COVID, allowing her recurring opportunities to connect with the children and local community.
“Running this nonprofit for over six years has been life-changing. We provide meals, education, and medical support to children—most of whom are orphans or come from homes without food or schooling opportunities.” Bujor told VegOut.
While incredibly rewarding, the duo admits that the journey has been challenging, especially following the pandemic. Bujor mainly attributes these difficulties to inconsistent donations and budget cuts. But after personally meeting all 1,500 children and seeing what a positive impact this nonprofit has made on the community, Bujor remains a committed advocate of The Giving Bowl.
Let Bujor’s journey be an inspiration to us all! To learn how you can support The Giving Bowl, check out GivingBowl.org.
