'It’s really an eye-opener': Volunteers bring holiday meals to Chatham residents

More than 600 homes supported with free meals Windsorites received free meals ahead of Christmas, an initiative put on by local organizations.

For the second year in a row, a crew of volunteers is fanning out across Chatham, bringing holiday meals to those who need them most.

"It’s really an eye-opener," said Macro Foods’ Omar Abousaid. "Our goal is to give back as much as we can to the less fortunate and whoever is in need."

This tradition began last Christmas in the Maple City with the delivery of 350 meals. The owner of Macro Foods, Abousaid, says this year they’re more than doubling that donation, providing 1,000 meals to those in need.

"It’s unfortunate that the numbers are going up. It tells us there’s more of a need, which really isn’t a good thing. We’d wish for fewer people to need help—not that we want to donate less, but it would mean the need is smaller."

"Last year was such a success, so it made sense to do it again," said Propel Marketing’s Madison Hetherington.

Macro Foods is thanking nearly a dozen local businesses for joining the effort.

"It’s way more than just a meal,” said Hetherington. “It’s about letting these people know someone is thinking of them, that they matter, and they deserve something special for the holidays."

“We can put together a really good meal for around $3, but we still need those $3. Multiply that by 1,000, and it’s $3,000. That’s a lot of money,” said Loree Bailey, General Manager of Hope Haven.

She says that the impact of these meals is profound, "This is absolutely outstanding. No organization in this community – or likely any other in Ontario – would say they’re flush with resources. Yet people are still digging in to ensure someone can have a special meal."

Abousaid says he has his sights set on not only continuing the program, but building on it’s success. "The goal next year is to expand to Sarnia, London, and eventually Waterloo."