The Ottawa Mission is working harder than ever to support clients
The Ottawa Mission says demand for its services is soaring as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
The need for daily meals has nearly doubled, and it could go even higher.
For an organization that has served Ottawa for 115 years, this last year will go down in history.
“This past year has been exceptional because it’s been a year where we fought though the pandemic and still continue to do so,” said Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley.
The pandemic put unprecedented demand on their services, especially when it came to feeding the hungry.
No one has been busier than Executive Chef Ric Watson, who didn’t miss a meal throughout the whole pandemic.
“Before COVID-19, we were 1,400 meals a day. When COVID hit, our meals, and even currently, are about 2,600 meals a day,” says Watson. “We decided that we were going to open the garage door and we would hand out bags and in each bag would have three meals because that’s what our clients are used to. It would be one hot meal and two cold meals.”
The Misson's annual report reveals how the pandemic forced a change in the way they support their clients in every way.
“Meals, shelter, clothing; all of those things during pandemic times, that’s been our biggest challenge this past year and a half,” says Tilley, “but we’ve risen to the challenge and continued to provide services.”
Even through a growing housing crisis, the mission found homes for 144 clients.
A donated food truck from Pelican Seafood Market and Grill owner Jim Foster allowed the Mission to deliver meals across the city.
“It was one of those things where I walked in every day, and we had it sitting at the back door, and it’s a big truck. And you know, it kind of built on us; it just felt really bad having it sitting there,” said Foster. “I said, 'Hey chef, is there any way you could foresee this working for you guys?' And they came back really quickly and they were super excited.”
The food truck changed everything for the Ottawa Mission.
“To date, with that food truck, we’ve served over 150,000 meals,” said Watson. “That truck goes to different communities in Ottawa; 19, actually, in a week.”
In total, 720,000 meals were served in the last fiscal year and up to one million is estimated for the next.
“Certainly, here in Ottawa, we’re seeing great community support to help us get through this,” said Tilley, “whether it’s from Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Inner City Health, or our donors. We’ll carry on and deliver services to this vulnerable population the best we can.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.