It is Saturday morning, and Michelle is chatting with friends at the West Ferris Community Brunch at Emmanuel United Church in North Bay.
They had just finished a free meal of pancakes and sausages, juice and a hot beverage served up by a dedicated group of volunteers.
Michelle has been attending the monthly brunch since just before Christmas.
“I was in a bit of a slump. I felt like I needed to get out and socialize instead of sitting in the house dwelling on ‘what if’s’,” said Michelle.
“So, I come here for the socialization. The food is good, but the socialization is better. We have our little group of friends. If you haven’t seen that person in a while you wonder where they are.”
Michelle likes the friendly atmosphere.
“I feel great. I feel better when I am here. When you see the faces that you are familiar with, it brightens your day. This is our monthly Saturday catch up. I think this place is great. I know that it helps the people in need, but it also helps those who have social issues. People mingle. Everyone talks to everyone.”
Sitting across from her is her friend Dianne who has been attending the brunch for the past two and a half years.
She too looks forward to socializing with the friends she has met over the years.
“You get to meet a lot of people who just want an outing where they can go and be among people instead of being isolated,” said Dianne.
It takes anywhere from 12 to 15 volunteers to put on the meal and clean up afterward.
Back in the kitchen, Dave keeps watch over the pancakes and sausages, something he has been doing for twenty years, helping with brunches at both St. John the Devine and Emmanuel.
“For me, it is something I enjoy doing because it is something of value. It is a good use of my time, and hopefully, it is helping somebody who needs it,” said Dave.
“The people who come here, in most cases, need a place to go. They need a place to talk, a place to eat. Some camaraderie. A place they know they are going to be welcome.”
Ron works alongside Dave, volunteering his time helping to prepare the hot meals.
“It is one of the few things that Ferris is doing for the people. A lot of these people can’t make it downtown when they have the one downtown, so it helps them out,” said Ron.
“You see the smiles on their faces and they appreciate it. And any leftovers, the people take them home.”
Brunch coordinator Raymonde Duchesne explained the brunch dates back to 1996 when a parishioner saw a need in the community.
Two years later, St. John the Devine parish followed suit.
“We have it here every fourth Saturday of the month, excluding April, October, and December when it is the third Saturday. St. John the Devine has it every second Saturday of the month,” explained Duchesne.
The brunch at Emmanuel feeds between 40 and 50 people on average, while St. John the Devine serves anywhere from 70 to 90 people because of its location near the downtown.
“We’re seeing a mix of ages, but not a lot of young children with young families. We are seeing a lot of seniors, and a lot of middle-aged people,” said Duchesne.
“They are very appreciative. Some people are quiet and keep to themselves. Some like to mingle and say ‘hi’. For the most part, we are all becoming like family. You get to know them by name. It is very rewarding.”
Funding for the free brunch is made available primarily through church contributions.
“The North Bay Church of Christ, Holy Name of Jesus, St. John the Devine, and Emmanuel parishes all contribute. We make just enough to feed people for 10 months because for July and August many of our volunteers are away.”
Duchesne says following one 10 month period, there was just $13.00 left in the budget.
“Anyone who would like to make a donation can reach out to either St. John or Emmanuel,” said Duchesne.
People are also encouraged to take home any of the donated clothing and non-perishable food items.
