Brockville, Ont. cafe giving hundreds of Christmas dinners to people in need

Jim Burns and Elsie Post organize the desserts at Richard's Coffeehouse on Dec. 23, 2024. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa)

Richard's Coffeehouse in Brockville, Ont. is handing out hundreds of free Christmas dinners to people in need on Monday afternoon.

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Staff and volunteers have been working for weeks preparing the meals before they're handed out from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"We do about 20 turkeys, that are 20 pounds each," said owner Sam Rawas. "We debone them, cook them, get them ready and then we warm them up."

In addition to a serving of turkey, each meal comes with a side of coleslaw, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy. They're topped off with a slice of cake.

The downtown cafe also hands out dinners on Thanksgiving. This year, they gave away exactly 455 meals.

"A lot of people are hungry out there, so we like to make sure we can do what we can," Rawas said.

Rawas adds that the meals aren't limited to people who aren't able to afford it.

This time of year can be difficult for those who have lost loved ones or who are away from their families. It's all about providing a sense of community around the holidays, Rawas said.

"They love to just be with someone at Christmas time," he said.

Owner Sam Rawas mixing mashed potatoes at Richard’s Coffeehouse in Brockville, Ont. Dec. 23, 2024. (Jack Richardson/CTV News Ottawa).

According to Rawas, it wouldn't be possible without the countless hours his staff and volunteers put in for the preparation. They spend weeks deboning the turkeys and organizing the sides all leading up to Monday afternoon.

"It feels really good to see the people coming in. Everybody gets a hot meal and some smiles and greetings and it's a really good vibe in here," said volunteer Allana Porteous.

Brockville resident Jim Burns, who also volunteered at Thanksgiving, added, "I've met some really nice people that are volunteering every time."

"You meet the people coming in too, and the smiles on their faces. So, it's good that way."

Elsie Post is a university student who came back to work at Richard's Coffeehouse over the holidays. It's her first experience working during an event like this. Even though she's used to serving coffee, she loves being able to contribute to a great cause.

"It feels amazing getting to give back to the community and knowing that we made a difference in Brockville," she said.

"I'm glad that I got to be a part of it."