one by one®: Bracebridge Out of the Cold
Ontario’s Bracebridge Out of the Cold began in 2006 as a collaboration between churches and service clubs to provide hot meals to residents during the colder months. Today, the secular program serves 65 people two three-course dinners each week plus another 20 or so meals are delivered to homes. That adds up to about 170 individual meals per week.
Helping hungry neighbours
Meals are prepared and served at Bracebridge United Church, which features an industrial kitchen and a dining room. “Unfortunately, the number of people attending increases each year,” said Jim Webb, the organization’s communications coordinator and one of about 40 volunteer cooks.
Approximately 100 volunteers, including teams of cooks and servers, have a scheduled monthly rotation. “The enthusiasm of the volunteers is infectious,” said Webb. “A great bunch of volunteers and a lovely bunch of guests come each week.”
In addition to gathering for meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Bracebridge Out of the Cold collaborates with a local grocery store to provide fresh produce for patrons to take home. A local bakery also contributes bread, buns, pies and other items.
Hats for cooks are a big hit
Bracebridge Out of the Cold previously bought kitchen aprons from 4imprint. When presented with a one by one grant, Webb said an informal poll led to the purchase of caps to match the aprons. “If you’ve ever worked in an industrial kitchen, you know you have to have hairnets or hats for cooks to protect the food,” he said. “Now everyone in the kitchen is wearing the hats. It’s great. The servers even joke that they want some now too.”
Webb said for a charitable organization on a tight budget and run entirely on donations, opportunities like one by one grants are essential. “Fundraising is tough and being able to receive government or corporate grants is very important for getting by,” he said. “We’re very, very thankful.”
A note from Cheryl
Bracebridge Out of the Cold has prepared and served meals for its local community for many years. 4imprint was proud to provide hats for cooks and play a small role in helping this organization carry out its important mission. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.