Some of the dozens of volunteers with Hand in Hand charity and some of the fresh home-made food they provide for free. Staff photos.
Dozens of volunteers every Monday evening spend their own funds to feed more than 70 unhoused area residents at a local church.
The Hand in Hand charity donate dozens of hours and spend hundreds of dollars from their own pockets to purchase and cook about 30 large foil trays of delicious, hot food to feed the needy at St. Margaret’s New Toronto church, on Sixth Street.
“Hand in Hand is a volunteer-run group of residents in South Etobicoke who come together to provide community care to neighbours in need, whether through a hot meal, a warm conversation and more,” said group organizer Kasia Okienska. Most group members met on social media and plan their weekly menu online.
There is a constant lineup every Monday as those in need are fed hearty meals and provided help at a local church.
The more than 20 volunteers this night set up a line of hot tables, containing vegetarian dishes as pastas, pizzas, curry and meat dishes as chicken, pork, meatball pasta and soups.
The well-behaved recipients are provided reusable bags to place their takeout food; including fruits and vegetables, breads, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, water, cutlery and other goodies.
Okienska said the recipients are also provided hygiene products, clothing and hot beverages.
“Hand in Hand isn’t just a place for the community to find a meal on Mondays,” she explained. “It’s also a place where stories are shared, a smile is given, eye contact is made, help offered, all in a peaceful and non-threatening environment.”
The group makes sure the at-risk men and women are treated with love, are well fed and have fresh fruit.
The group has partnered with St Margaret’s Anglican Church, Haven on the Queensway and local businesses, including Cobbs Bakery; which donates food.
Outside the church on tables are women and mens’ clothing, shoes, and other necessities that are provided free by Haven volunteers. Most of the items are snapped up by appreciative residents.
Okienska said many of their unhoused live in cars, bus shelters, apartment hallways or in the parks. Volunteers said there is a huge demand for the meals since many people, including fixed-income seniors, who cannot afford food or pay rent at the same time.
Many of the good-nature volunteers rise at 6 a.m. to cook hearty meals for the unhoused using their own funds as they do not accept donations.
“Quite a few of our unhoused friends face a lot of challenges,” she said. “We are supporting those who need it, whether is dropping off donations or visiting local schools to support nutrition programs.”
The group was recently awarded an Award of Merit by the LAMP Community Health Centre for their work in our community.
Hand in Hand does not accept cash donations but will accept food items. You can e-mail them at handinhandcrew@hotmail.com