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Preparing meals at Lighthouse shows visitors they have 'value'

'It's important to make everyone feel that they're an important part of society,' says citizen, who encourages others to take part in Lighthouse's Feed 14 and Feed 50 programs

Feed 14 or feed 50. Take your pick.

The Lighthouse shelter and soup kitchen is encouraging groups and individuals to help feed its visitors. The Feed 14 and Feed 50 programs bring people to the Peter Street facility, where they prepare and serve meals.

Kathy Henderson, of Brechin, and her four daughters took part in the Feed 14 program in May.

“I was really excited to be a part of it,” Henderson said. “I have a real heart for the homeless.”

Henderson, along with daughters Lisa Henderson, Sandra Schad and Heather Stefanyk, prepared tacos last May. They brought along a sign with words of encouragement for diners. It read, “It’s OK if you fall apart sometimes. Tacos fall apart and we still love them.”

They also brought “kindness kits” for each person, containing socks, healthy snacks, bandages and other items. That wasn’t required as part of the Feed 14 program, but Henderson “wanted to do a little extra to make them feel important, because they are.”

“It’s important to make everyone feel that they’re an important part of society,” she said. “Everybody has value, and if you take part in something like that, you’re showing them.”

Henderson said she and her daughters will take part in the program again, but that’s not the only way she helps the homeless. She sends her kindness kits to help the less fortunate in Iqaluit, Nunavut, and she usually has some in her car, too, so she can give them to people she sees on the streets.

“I just feel bad for people who don’t have necessities in life. There are all kinds of wants, but everyone should have the necessities,” she said. “There are people in need everywhere and, as human beings, we need to look after each other.”

The Lighthouse is welcoming churches, community groups, caterers, restaurants and organizations to take part. Participating groups provide, prepare and serve the food, which should include a main dish, side dish or salad, dessert and drink. The Lighthouse provides the dishes, serviettes, coffee and tea.

Those who would rather donate money can provide $150 for the Feed 14 program, and volunteers will prepare and serve the meal.

For more information about Feed 14 and Feed 50, contact Sara Ulrick at [email protected] or 705-329-2265, ext. 102, or visit orillialighthouse.ca.


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Nathan Taylor

About the Author: Nathan Taylor

Nathan Taylor is the desk editor for Village Media's central Ontario news desk in Simcoe County and Newmarket.
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