For many guests of the Friendship Inn, the warm welcome they receive from the staff and volunteers may be the only kindness they receive in a day. That, from executive director Sandra Kary, who states that they feel strongly about creating a compassionate sense of belonging for those who use their services. The Friendship Inn serves about 1,200 meals a day for breakfast and lunch. That’s just under 440,000 meals a year.

Cash and food donations are welcomed and the Friendship Inn is always looking for things like socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, empty travel-size bottles, deodorant and razors. Kary hopes those who traditionally like to donate during the holiday season will think of the Friendship Inn and its Fill the Plate Holiday Campaign. In December, Nutrien will match all cash donations up to $125,000. She says, “The community has always been supportive of the Inn and we continue to need support. We could use anything from food donations, cash donations, volunteer support. Whatever people can contribute, we are so grateful for.”

If you would like to volunteer, you can call the Friendship Inn to book a time. Kary notes that they are booking into January now, but they always need lots of helping hands, especially in the winter months.