A Richmondite is hoping to spread the word about hot meals available to all in need.
The number of "pay it forward" sausage rolls have increased at Steveston's Best of British Shop has been growing, according to Richmond resident Deborah Lawrence.
However, many have yet to be claimed by people in need.
The "pay it forward" program was started by co-owner Lenny Entwistle, where community members are invited to pay for someone's future hot sausage roll by making a donation or adding to their bill at the shop. The initiative began at the beginning of the month, and donations have been steadily rolling in.
"(The shop has) got like 30 or 40 on hand, and people have been buying and donating," said Lawrence.
She is hoping community members can help get the word out to those in need, as "times are so hard for everyone" at the moment, especially during the holiday season.
And Lawrence also hopes the initiative will inspire other shops around the city to follow suit, much like how the red community cupboard outside the shop inspired projects in places as far as Hong Kong.
The Best of British Shop is located on Chatham St and First Ave in Steveston, and it's open today and tomorrow. The shop will then be closed for Christmas and Boxing Day on Sunday and Monday.
Hot community meals available weekly
For those who are in need of hot meals, a community meal is also available from 5 to 6 p.m. on Boxing Day at Richmond Presbyterian Church (7111 No. 2 Rd by Granville Ave).
Anybody who feels that they need a meal is welcome to attend. Meals will include hot soup, wraps and other dishes and can be eaten in the hall of the church or taken away.
The Boxing Day meal is part of the church's regular Monday community meals, according to spokesperson Christine Whiteside.
"We usually (prepare) about 140 meals," she said, adding that 40 to 50 of such meals are usually delivered to those unable to go to the church by after-hours outreach worker Hugh Freiberg.
The church's community meals recently became in-person, which has allowed participants to enjoy warmth and socialization.
Community meals are also available in other local churches. St. Alban's Anglican Church hosts regular take-out community meals twice a week. The church serves take-out dinners on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6 p.m., and hot take-out lunches on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Richmond Salvation Army also holds community lunches on Thursdays at 12 p.m. at 8280 Gilbert Rd near Blundell Rd.
For a map of more affordable food options in Richmond, check out Urban Bounty's website.
Are you aware of other community initiatives to help Richmondites this holiday season and beyond? Let us know at [email protected].
- With files from Valerie Leung.
