It’s a special day for the Wendy’s Restaurant in Timmins. The fast-food restaurant is celebrating its 25th Anniversary and its sleek new look after a summer of renovations.

One organization in particular is benefiting from the anniversary: The Lord’s Kitchen.

Mark Torchia, owner of Wendy’s, says the restaurant’s proceeds for today will be donated to The Lord’s Kitchen, a volunteer-run organization that provides hot meals to the hungry in Timmins.

Deanna Russell and Bill Russell are part of the team that runs the Lord’s Kitchen, and they were on-hand at the restaurant today to celebrate the occasion. Deanna says she is very happy the Lord’s Kitchen is getting this donation because, ultimately, it means more food to feed the hungry.

“We’re very happy to receive it,” Deanna said, “and it will go to providing a hot nourishing meal to our clients. […] This will go a long way to providing more food.”

Deanna says it means a lot to be supported by local businesses.

“It means a lot,” she said, “because it means we’re out there in the community and people are noticing the work we are doing. And there are a lot of people that need this help out there. Unfortunately.”

The donations the Lord’s Kitchen gets from Wendy’s today will go towards things like meat, potatoes, vegetables, desserts, coffee and tea, contributing to the service the Kitchen provides every Thursday.

“It will just go so far,” said Deanna.

With colder weather settling into Timmins, Deanna says she’s seen an influx of people at the Kitchen in recent weeks.

“An influx with the colder weather,” she said, “and an influx with the prices going up at the stores. Their money isn’t going as far anymore. And we are getting an increase. I think all charities probably are.”

If you want to help The Lord’s Kitchen, you can donate food at the kitchen itself on Thursdays. Money donations are also appreciated and cheques can be mailed to The Lord’s Kitchen, Post Office Box 72, Timmins Ontario, P4N 7C5.

The Kitchen has been making a difference in the community for decades and they still need community support.

“We’ve served over a million meals in 33 years,” said Bill Russell.

The organization is run by volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome. Volunteers typically work at the kitchen at least once a month. Volunteers are used to help serve and clean up the meals on Thursdays.

Deanna says this program is important and needs to be supported so it can keep serving those who need the hot meal.

“Keep the program going and keep the people fed.”

 

Filed under: Local News