Huronia Community Foundation | La Fondation Communautaire de la Huronie

Gift of Grace Soup Kitchen

As ‘Mary’ saw the group of people approach her table with a cake brightly lit with candles, she could hear their voices rising in unison, singing the birthday song. Her heart swelled and she couldn’t stop the tears from sliding down her cheeks. This is the first birthday cake for the 45-year-old woman, the first time she ever heard those words directed at her.

Life is getting better now that she has found a welcoming place to go on Tuesday mornings. The volunteers at the Gift of Grace Soup Kitchen in Midland and the 40 – 75 clients who come each week have become friends.  Although the food she receives nourishes her body, the camaraderie feeds her soul.

The soup kitchen is operated on a small budget but makes a huge difference to the needy people of Midland. For some, the food served on Tuesdays is the only decent meal they have all week.

Lately they have seen an increase in the number of people who need help, while donations have decreased. Without a Huronia Community Foundation grant of $1,000 in 2011, the charitable organization would have run out of money.

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It was often difficult for James Thomson to concentrate at Gilda’s Club, this summer. After all, the laughter and noise coming from the slip and slide, potato sack races and puppet shows distracted the executive director of the Simcoe Muskoka chapter.

Thanks to funding from the Huronia Community Foundation, more than 50 children affected by cancer – either directly or indirectly – were able to ‘just be kids’ at Gilda’s Kamp Day Program. The donation was used to purchase food, supplies and the equipment necessary to make their experience a memorable one.

Ages ranged from as young as four years old up to and including some 12 year old “tweens”.  Many of these children were new to Gilda’s Club and had just recently become members, along with their families

“Their experience truly was one of welcome and delight,” notes Thomson. “In fact, many parents were greatly appreciative of this program and the fact that through the generosity of funders such as the Huronia Community Foundation, it was offered free of charge.  Facing extreme financial constraints that a diagnosis of cancer can bring, many would have been unable to access any summer camp programs that were fee based.”

Volunteers who wanted to give back to the organization were also able to experience a meaningful exchange with the children, assisting the staff who fully supported them during their adventures.

And what adventures they had! Activities included: a carnival complete with balloon animal making classes, temporary tattoos, potato sack races, slip and slide, face painting and games, an Amazing Race challenge afternoon, cooking classes with guest chefs, guest artists, art instruction, puppet shows, and construction of a ‘Gilda crow’ for their community garden.

“The Huronia Community Foundation definitely helped us bring smiles to a much deserving group of children and their families,” notes Thomson. “I am so grateful for their donation.”