Chair Girl throws free groceries to feed the hungry in COVID-19 crisis

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A young woman who became a social-media sensation by hurling a chair off a downtown Toronto high-rise is now pitching in — and using her much-watched Instagram platform — to help those suffering during the COVID-19 crisis.

Marcella Zoia posted herself on Instagram this week as she delivered groceries to a North York charity. The woman at the shelter appears gratified as Zoia hauls in bags of food to the United Way charity.

“Marcella has taken it upon herself to give back to the community for the people who have been negatively affected by the  COVID-19 pandemic,” said her defence lawyer Greg Leslie. “She is hoping her platform on social media inspires others to assist those who are suffering due to the pandemic.”

Zoia incurred the wrath of many in the community when she posted to social media photographs and videos of herself partying and modelling in sunny places while she was on bail after pleading guilty last fall to mischief causing danger to life for the February 2019 incident where she hurled a steel and wood chair, which crashed on to a busy downtown street.

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A video of the crime, which was taken on Zoia’s cellphone, appeared on her Snapchat account, but she denied posting it.

Crown attorney Heather Keating called for a four- to six-month prison sentence for Zoia because “there should be no question that Ms. Zoia is extraordinarily lucky she didn’t kill someone.”

Keating also sought two years of probation plus a social-media ban, although no terms were specified.

Leslie argued his client shouldn’t go to jail, asserting her rash action was prompted by peer pressure and alcohol.

Zoia, 20, will be back in court on May 28 to set a date for sentencing, likely in early June.

spazzano@postmedia.com