Community Cafe celebrates 5 years!

The makings of a great celebration always includes friends, family, great food and lively music.  All of which were present during October’s Community Cafe.

October 13, 2016 marked the 5th year of the Community Cafe and the atmosphere was electric. Ron McIsaac and four of his friends entertained the 103 patrons from 11 am to 1 pm with toe tapping, get-up-off-your-seat-and-dance music. With Newfoundland traditional tunes such as Great Foggy Day, Whiskey in the Jar and I’se the bys, No Name Brand (their name for the day) enticed many folks to get up and dance a jig or two.

Piping hot bowls of delicious homemade soup prepared by the College of the North Atlantic Cooking students warmed bellies, fresh deli sandwiches filled empty holes and sweet crunchy cookies squashed the sweet cravings. Public Heath nurses were on hand with many other volunteers to serve up each meal with a smile.

Also marking World Sight Day, Dinah Durnford, with CNIB, was on hand with ample resources and information regarding maintaining a healthy eyesight and today’s newest technology for those visually impaired. Many folks brought old eyeglasses in for the Lions Recycle for Sight drive with Pat Wilcox winning a $25 Walmart Gift Card. 

Over the past 5 years, the cafe has become an anticipated event that brings together friends, creates new connections, and provides a hot delicious meal for some who struggle financially. It is with utmost respect and gratitude that the organizers and patrons thank the many sponsors, both those who come back year and year again, and those who do it every now and again. Sponsorship comes in many forms from a tray of sandwiches and a pot of soup; fresh fruit; or a cheque to cover the costs. Some like the College of the North Atlantic prepare and participate in the serving of the food.  Regardless, each and every sponsor has led us to being able to offer over 13,000 meals served at both the Lions Club and Zion Pentecostal Church, all for no charge, and we plan to do this for many more years to come!

So whether you are a regular patron or a first-timer, our doors are open to you and yours to join us on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

The Community Cafe is a special project of the Southwestern Housing Stability Initiative.