A local group are accepting nominations of those in our community in need of a Christmas dinner this year.
The Warm Belly Project was founded in Kingston by chef Craig Haines, who joined together with other chefs to help provide warm meals during the cold months to the homeless community. From there the project grew and they also provide clothes to those who need them as well.
We spoke with Haines who told us the origin story to their newest endeavor, the Feed a Family Campaign.
Through community outreach, Haines was able to secure 100 turkey’s to be able to donate to local families. His next task was collaborating with Canadian Tire locations from Cobourg to Kingston, who donated Rubbermaid bins to store the food. Next on the menu, the sides.
Haines was later visiting his friends at Philosophy Sandwich Parlor in Wellington who also wanted to get involved, so they volunteered to do the stuffing and cranberry sauce. He just recently received a message from someone who has a friend that makes amazing pie’s. So they will now make all of the pie’s, freeze them, and ship them to Haines. He is also now receiving messages from other chef’s who are donating their amazing recipes and the ingredients.
He says there are some really good people out in the community, who are showing that they are good people, and Haines says that is why he does what he does and why they are doing the Feed a Family. He says it is because it is about helping out the community.
To be able to nominate a family you’re able to message him on Instagram or Facebook, or email thewarmbellyproject@gmail.com. The first 100 names received will be guaranteed a dinner.
The Feed a Family campaign will be held on December 23, 2021, and families that have been referred will receive their package with all the fixings for a turkey dinner.
The Warm Belly Project is a 100% volunteer project aiming to bring awareness to the homelessness and hunger crisis in our community. If anyone is looking to get involved with The Warm Belly Project to volunteer or donate, contact us at thewarmbellyproject@gmail.com, or on Instagram @thewarmbellyproject.
