Elgin Street Mission Launches Holiday Meals Initiative with Community Support

The Elgin Street Mission in Greater Sudbury has launched its annual Mission 31 initiative, providing hot meals each night throughout December. This community-driven program relies on the support of various local groups, fostering a spirit of generosity and collaboration during the holiday season.

Community Engagement and Spirit of Giving

The program kicked off with a significant turnout, both from volunteers and attendees, emphasizing the mission’s goal of community involvement. According to Amanda Labreche, the director of the Elgin Street Mission, the initiative aims to involve diverse groups throughout the month. “The idea is to have different groups in as well, throughout the month, different community groups serving to be able to see what we do here at the mission,” she explained to CTV News.

The opening evening featured a live band, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Volunteer Sonia DelMissier from the Rotary Club Sudbury Sunrisers reflected on the deeper meaning of the season. “It’s part of getting into the spirit of Christmas and not the commercial spirit, but the true meaning of Christmas,” DelMissier noted. She has volunteered for several years and expressed a distinctive feeling in starting this month-long effort. “It’s the sense that maybe we’re making a difference, each of us in our own little way, that for however brief a time, we’re providing some kind of comfort to people who need it,” she added.

Rising Demand and Generous Support

This year’s campaign has attracted remarkable support, raising over $31,000 and engaging more than 31 community groups. The increase in volunteers has allowed the Elgin Street Mission to expand its services. Labreche remarked, “People are very generous with their time, especially here in Sudbury. It’s the holiday season; people want to give back, and so, finding people to serve for 31 days has been easy.” She also mentioned a positive challenge: “We had to open up breakfast. So that’s a good problem to have. I call it good problems.”

Despite this surge in support, the demand for the mission’s services has significantly increased. Labreche shared that more young families are seeking assistance, noting, “With the cost of living going up more, we’re seeing those young families. On a regular night, we usually aim for 200 meals, but sometimes that number reaches 250.”

Labreche expressed profound gratitude for the community’s response, which ensures that warm meals are available during the holidays. “We have such a generous community, you know, to raise $1,000 a night and then to have a very generous company to match that,” she said. Her appreciation extends to community members and sponsors, highlighting their contributions that help ensure everyone has a warm holiday meal this season.

The Elgin Street Mission’s efforts exemplify the spirit of giving and community support, making a meaningful impact during a challenging time for many in the Greater Sudbury area.