On Friday, September 28th, about 100 gathered at Austin Doran Hall in the Mount Community Centre in Peterborough, Ontario for the annual special evening that highlights poverty and the need for food security in our area. The dinner, determined by lot, was either Oven Roasted Chicken Supreme with Decadent New York Style Cheesecake for dessert or a typical food bank meal of penne noodles with canned tomato sauce and cookies. This menu spoke loudly of the disparity that exists in opportunities for food choices, and called us to be more aware of the struggles some face in providing good food for their families.
The focus of the evening was on the newly-completed Food Centre which is a significant component of this evolving dream. A name was given to the café, announced by John Good, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, through whom an anonymous donation of $300,000 made this beautiful kitchen area possible. The name chosen is the Fulcrum Café, signifying the point on which this project turns or is supported. The café is already being used by the apartment residents, staff, volunteers, and friends and supporters of The Mount Community Centre.
Madelaine Currelly, CEO of the Community Training and Development Centre explained a very successful educational program in which unemployed applicants develop skills in cooking as they supply meals for Meals on Wheels, a day care centre and other groups. This kitchen also provides catering to groups within and beyond The Mount Community Centre, and the facility is available for rent at mutually designated times to budding entrepreneurs.
Guests at this annual event were brought up to date on further developments in this impossible dream. Board member, Bill Graham, outlined the progress and future plans for Phase 2 of the project. Christine Cannon, President of Shared Dreams for Independent Living, spoke of their position and excitement around this joint venture. Murray Rodd, Cabinet Member of the present fundraising campaign, shared that a dinner held in his honour as retiring police chief raised over $23,000 for the Mount Community Centre. In his closing remarks, Steve Kylie, Chair of the Board, mentioned that a Day Care Centre had just been relocated to this amazing place that continues to meet a multitude of needs in the Peterborough area. All were invited to view the Food Centre, and many took the opportunity. Once again those who attended were deeply touched by the evolving story of this impossible dream.
- Joan Driscoll, CSJ