It was a great day. Perfect temperature and by the time the barbecue started, we had lots of shade in the dining area we created on the east side of our parking lot. Volunteers with Enbridge were on hand to take care of all our cooking needs while staff and volunteers served up the food.
Yesterday, we had a special volunteer. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson stopped by and he wasted no time in putting himself to work. He manned the tomato tray and talked to the men and women as they made their way through the line. Thank you, Mayor Watson, for your continued support of Shepherds of Good Hope and the people who rely on our services every day.
By the end of the two-hour event, we had more than 350 people come through the gates. What always touches my heart is how thankful the clients are. These are Ottawa's most vulnerable men and women. They have so little and there is so much more we would like to be able to give them. And yet they are so appreciative of what can provide. Most of us won't think twice about a summer barbecue. It's part of our summer routine. But the men and women at Shepherds of Good Hope recognize it as something more than routine for them. It's an event. And it's one we're proud to put on for them. I can't wait for next year.
A special thank you to Loblaws for the donation of ice cream sticks. Very, very popular. Did I say how popular the ice cream was? VERY!
Again, thank you to all the staff, volunteers, donors and the Mayor, but most importantly, thank you to the clients for making the 2015 Client Barbecue an event to remember.
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