Visit to Parkdale Food Centre

Their Excellencies then participated in a Christmas baking session with the Centre’s clients, after which all baked goods were donated back to the community.

This holiday season, Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston shared in a giving moment at the Parkdale Food Centre, in Ottawa, on December 16, 2015.

Karen Secord, Manager of the Centre, explained to Their Excellencies the services offered to the people in need in the community. The Parkdale Food Centre is part of the Ottawa Food Bank’s distribution network. It serves the Hintonburg, Mechanicsville, Civic Hospital and Wellington West neighbourhoods. This not-for-profit, volunteer-run organization provides emergency food aid to individuals and families in need. The Centre is funded in part by the City of Ottawa and local churches, with additional donations provided by individuals and local businesses.

Her Excellency Sharon Johnston prepared with them one of her delicious recipes: cinnamon buns!

His Excellency also helped prepare the dough. During this time of the year, Their Excellencies are inviting Canadians from coast to coast to coast to give their time, talent or treasure to people in need as part of the My Giving Moment initiative (www.mygivingmoment.ca). Canadians are also invited to share photos of generosity in action on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #SnapSomeGood. Their Excellencies believe that a smart and caring nation is built on acts of giving and kindness.

Following the baking session, Their Excellencies met with youth from Thirteen: A Social Enterprise Group, a program that encourages marginalized youth to commit to a one-year entrepreneurial training program under the umbrella of the Parkdale Food Centre. They make and sell Muesli with all profits going toward their education or to start their own business.