Alternative to Soup Kitchens Planned for Woodstock

Thursday, 14 May 2015 06:00

Operation Sharing and the Salvation Army are teaming up to replace the concept of soup kitchens in the Friendly City.

WOODSTOCK - Bullwinkle's Eatery at the Moose Family Centre in Woodstock is hoping to replace the concept of soup kitchens in the Friendly City.

The new concept will be administered by Operation Sharing and will partner with the local Salvation Army to have a community place where people can come together for lunch.

Husband and Wife team Stephen and Vanessa Giuliano are partnering once again for this idea. Stephen is the Director of Operation Sharing and says the plan is to have a place where people from all walks of life can come together for a meal. He adds the idea is to charge $5 for lunch for people who can afford it, and others can pay as much or as little as they like depending on the situation. He adds they want to erase the stigma surrounding soup kitckens and have a place where they can provide a meal to people from all walks of life.

Vanessa Giuliano works with the Salvation Army and is also a trained chef. She says the meals will be more than just soups and sandwiches and the plan is to provide a healthy balanced meal every day. She will also be in charge of the training aspect for anyone who would like to gain some culinary experience to help them find a new job, or if they just want to learn more about what to do in the kitchen.

The plan right now is to also give the Moose Family Centre a bit of a makeover so when you stop by for lunch it almost has a cafe feel to it. The Giuliano's want to call the new place Bullwinkle's Eatery and are hoping to have it up and running in the fall.

They also wanted to thank the Moose Family Centre for offering up the building for this brand new concept. It is believed this may be the first of its kind in Canada.

If you're interested in volunteering or making a donation give Operation Sharing a call at 519-539-3361.