St. Francis Table

ST. FRANCIS TABLE WINTER NEWSLETTER 2009

Mike Nicholson and Bro. John Frampton stand
in front of a bin of donated food at the local No Frills.

1322 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M6K 1L4

Phone: (416) 532-4172
Fax: (416) 532-8814
E-mail: brjjmf@yahoo.ca

VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
www.capuchinoutreach.org

Capuchin Outreach to the Poor (Parkdale) was founded in 1987 by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars of Central Canada with the vision of creating a faith community with the poor by providing direct services that seek to enhance the sense of human dignity of those who are in need.

St Francis Table, the primary expression of Capuchin Outreach, serves on average 250 meals per day, six days a week in Toronto’s Parkdale community. Patrons are asked to make a $1 donation towards their three course meal which is provided with full restaurant service.

St Clare Centre is our Outreach and Drop-In space, hosting weekly AA meetings as well as an informal drop-in for patrons of St Francis Table.

Capuchin Outreach to the Poor (Parkdale) is a registered charitable organization (#11883-7970-RR0001). We receive no government or United Way funding, instead relying on the charity of private individuals and businesses for our income.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS: PROFILE #1 NICHOLSON’S NO FRILLS

Since arriving in the area almost six years ago, the owner of the local No Frills franchise  has taken part in an unconventional program that provides meals and more importantly, dignity  to the needy. Positioned near the exit of the store is an oversize laundry tub that acts as  a drop-off location for the Capuchin Franciscan friars, which operate a restaurant out  of their building on Queen Street that caters to the less fortunate residents in Parkdale.

Goods collected at the Nicholson’s No Frills and other locations across the city are  picked up on a weekly basis and shape the enu offering meals for a dollar a plate. "It’s something so small that adds such an impact to somebody’s life, so if  you can do it, you might as well do it," Nicholson said.

WITH PERMISSION FROM :
"THE BLOOR WEST NEWS HOUND "

OVER 960,000 MEALS SERVED...
THANKYOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

St. Francis Table welcomes Br. Bill 

On October 4, 2009, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi (our Patron),  the Capuchins of Central Canada gathered at the San Damiano Chapel,  part of St. Francis Table, to welcome back Br. Bill Waboose, ofm,  cap.  Br. Bill is completing his Novitiate and has been assigned to  minister at St. Francis Table two days a week. We welcome him and pray that his  ministry will be rewarding!

Sanjey Kumarasamy 

The son of Sam (our cook) and Chandra Kumarasamy, Sanjey (Michael) passed  away on August 19th at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto. He was born  on April 16, 1979 and spent many good years working in the kitchen, here  at St. Francis Table. He always had a smiling face and loved peeling  potatoes. His kitchen corner is bare now; but we will never forget Sanjey and  his contribution to St. Francis Table.  May his soul rest in peace!  

FROM THE DESK OF BR. JOHN...

It’s  been another good year here at St. Francis Table with thanks to our donors, our volunteers and our community partners. As we mourned the death of our friend Sanjey;   we were also inundated with canned goods from close to forty schools in the greater Toronto   area over Thanksgiving. Now we are getting ready for another winter season in the lives of our patrons.  To date over 960,000 meals have been provided. In 2010 we expect to surpass the one million mark as economic instability and unemployment create a growing need in feeding the hungry.

Amidst the cold, there is a warmth that permeates through the generosity of so many.  The Christmas spirit is alive all year long;  more clearly visible during these cold and stormy days. The "Christmas Story," is told daily with a bowl of hot soup, a balanced meal and the sense of belonging; thus creating a true community among the believers here at 1322 Queen Street West; from those who support us in so many ways. Wishing you, our donors, volunteers and community partners a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of our patrons, staff and Capuchin friars!