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Lougheed brothers honour dad’s memory by providing his favourite treats to less fortunate

A series of barbecues for Sudbury’s vulnerable population are being held outside the Elgin Street Mission this month

The vulnerable populations of downtown Sudbury enjoyed not just the amazing atmosphere of a summer barbecue, but also a birthday party of sorts at the Elgin Street Mission June 17.

Because what goes better with a great burger than a perfect birthday dessert?

Part of the Elgin Street Mission’s “One Goal. One Meal. One Mission” June fundraising campaign, a series of barbecues are being held in the parking lot in front of the mission and The Samaritan Centre. 

Not only do the burgers served give the taste of the summer, but the meat is donated by Mike Tulloch of Penokean Hills Farm in Bruce Mines, and the buns from Sudbury’s Regency Bakery.

This past Thursday, tasty sweet treats from Leinala’s Bakery were also prominently featured thanks to a special donation from the Lougheed Foundation. 

In addition to the $10,000 donation made to the Elgin Street Mission, as well as feeding the almost 200 people that would line up for the barbecue, there was a celebration of the June 17 birthday of the late Gerry Lougheed Sr.

“My father was addicted to pink tarts from Leinala’s,” said Gerry Lougheed at the event. “So, a special part of the meal tonight will be dessert, to celebrate his memory.”

“My Dad and Mom were always into feeding people,” said Geoffrey Lougheed, speaking of his late father and mother Marguerite Lougheed, who worked tirelessly making meals for the Salvation Army, among other local causes. 

“And Gerry and my legacy continues with that. He’s (Gerry Sr.) here in spirit, and a little bit tangibly with dessert.”

The barbecues are held every Thursday in June and are sponsored by local businesses with a $10,000 donation. The first two were sponsored by Stingray Radio, then Allain Labelle and Innova Wealth. Next week’s sponsor is Extreme North Gymnastics.   

Also throughout the month of June, the mission will be offering nightly sponsorships for $1,000 for anyone in the community to bring a team of four people to serve meals at the Elgin Street Mission downtown.

It is fair to say the barbecues are a success. So far, the Elgin Street Mission has raised $80,000 to cover operating expenses.

And while that will go a long way, Gerry Lougheed mentions the need is every greater now, and every bit helps.

The mission is always looking for donations, especially pre-packaged desserts and fruit cups. For more than 30 years they have cared for the vulnerable populations of Sudbury, offering meals, facilities and support. 

If you would like more information or to donate, visit themission.ca.


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Jenny Lamothe

About the Author: Jenny Lamothe

Jenny Lamothe is a reporter with Sudbury.com. She covers the diverse communities of Sudbury, especially the vulnerable or marginalized.
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