​Crowd turns out for Drop-in at The Bridge "Share the Love" fund-raiser

More than 100 people enjoyed the "Share the Love" fund-raising dinner, Saturday night, at the Kincardine Beach Hall Pavilion, in support of Drop-in at The Bridge which is located in downtown Kincardine.

MC Phillip Craig welcomed everyone and praised the attendees for braving the ice and snow to support their community.

He said Drop-in at The Bridge was founded eight years ago and has become a pillar of the community, providing a safe space for people to gather and enjoy a meal. Last year, it served more than 16,000 meals to seniors, families, teens, and individuals facing food insecurity.

This year’s fund-raising event highlighted the organization’s next major step: building a dedicated community kitchen to expand meal production, strengthen its free food store, and keep pace with growing demand.

Executive director Wes Larson (right) thanked everyone for attending, and said this event brings together people from all across Kincardine who are interested in Drop-in at The Bridge and want to be part of it.

"This is not just a fund-raiser," he said. "People here care about others in the community. We've had an extraordinary year, but not an easy one. What we have achieved here tonight will make a difference."

He said Drop-in at The Bridge has more than 100 great volunteers and many wonderful sponsors.

"Together, we're filling the gap between who people are and where they want to be," he said. "We're providing them with a place where they feel safe and seen. Last year, we served more meals than ever before. We rescued and reused 18,000 pounds of food in our free food store. We have a phenomenal relationship with our local stores. Thanks to the support of local businesses, the average cost of the meals we serve is $1.25 per meal.

"Behind every meal is an individual and a story. These people come to the table because they need help. Our community is strongest when everyone has a place at the table. We can change lives."

He spoke of the need for a dedicated community kitchen to alleviate a lot of the burden on the volunteers who are making the meals. "We want to continue what we're doing but do it better, make it sustainable, and we can do that with our own kitchen."

Sharon Johnson, who has been with Drop-in at The Bridge since day one, said the organization has helped a lot of people in Kincardine.

"When I heard Wes (Larson)'s vision, I wanted to be part of it," she said. "So, I talked to people and sat down with them for a meal."

Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everyone had to stay at home.

"I found that very difficult," said Johnson who suffers from depression. "I watched television, and did some knitting. I thought I was doing okay but I wasn't. I had to get out of the house, back to church and back to Drop-in at The Bridge - I felt safe and comfortable there.

"I kept getting better and I love being at Drop-in at The Bridge. A lot of people need it and it helps so many people. If you know someone who is struggling, tell them about The Bridge, or better yet, take them to The Bridge."



Ken Kelley (left) and Amber May entertain the crowd at the "Share the Love" charity dinner, Saturday night, at the Kincardine Beach Pavilion

The dinner was provided by the Bruce Steakhouse and others, with about a dozen volunteer servers. Entertaining the guests during the meal, were Amber May and Ken Kelley.

For more information about Drop-in at The Bridge and how you can volunteer and/or donate to the cause, visit www.dropinatthebridge.ca.



MC Phillip Craig (left) and executive director Wes Larson of Drop-in at The Bridge get ready to address the crowd at the "Share the Love" fund-raising dinner