Since March, a local family that owns five Tim Hortons locations in Greater Sudbury has provided $25,000 worth of chicken noodle soup to the Elgin Street Mission.
The MacKenzie family has partnered with the Mission since COVID-19 shut down the dining area and created the need for takeout meals.
Every Saturday, they provide 220 meals and will continue to do so into the New Year.
Amanda Robichaud, director Chaplain of the Elgin Street Mission, said the number of people looking for a hot meal has definitely increased since the start of the pandemic.
“We were seeing an average of about 180 a night before the pandemic, but when the pandemic hit, we were up to about 240,” Robichaud said. “For Thanksgiving, we had a record number of people served in the 32-year history of the Mission at 278 meals.
The Mission is grateful for the support of Tim Hortons, she said.
“Trying to feed this many people a takeout meal is a real challenge, and it’s people like the MacKenzies, whose generosity and commitment make sure we can provide nutritious meals for our patrons,” Robichaud said.
Marion MacKenzie said they recognized a need to help the hungry during the pandemic, and chicken noodle soup is a hearty, warm meal.
“We started with 150 bowls of soup every Saturday at the beginning, and now we are up to 220,” Marion MacKenzie said. “There’s a need in this city, and we’re here. Our team has really rallied behind this, and we’re busier now than we were in March, but everyone feels really good, really proud about being able to help.”
Gerry Lougheed Jr., chair of the Mission Food Fund, said to date, more than $73,000 has been donated to the food fund. The Tim Hortons and Great Lakes Pizza (South End) have provided more than 12,000 weekend meals.
“Tim Hortons soup is definitely good for the soul of Sudbury,” said Lougheed Jr.
