The gathering place celebrates a decade of serving our neighbours in need

‘the gathering place’ celebrates 26 individuals who have dedicated the last decade volunteering at the soup kitchen Wednesday, at Les Compagnons.

For the past 10 years ‘the gathering place’ North Bay’s community soup kitchen on Algonquin Avenue has been providing hot nutritious lunches for neighbours in need and trends indicate they will continue providing the service well into the future.

On Wednesday Board members, volunteers and community partners marked the occasion during a cocktail party at Les Compagnons by celebrating 26 individuals who have dedicated the last decade volunteering at the soup kitchen.

Board Chair Jim Liddell says it is a bittersweet celebration as the organization is so proud to have a great space and dedicated volunteers but they would prefer not to have anyone in need of the services.

He says they have seen an explosion in use where they are serving 115 to 140 people every day which in turn is taxing the current space so as they look forward to the next 10 years new larger facilities tops the list.

With no government funding the gathering place depends solely on the generosity of the community. Local Tim Hortons franchises will be supporting the soup kitchen by donating the proceeds for their smile cookies campaign to the gathering place so Liddell is encouraging everyone to get our and purchase a cookie or 12.