Thanksgiving in Canada means kicking back from the stresses of the work week, and taking time to savour wonderful food and to cherish family.
But for those in the Barrie area who are worlds away from family, without food, without jobs — perhaps without hope — there has always been Rose Romita and her annual Thanksgiving community dinners.
Romita, who has lived in Barrie since 1991, started these annual affairs in 1995 after establishing her own restaurant on Maple Avenue. That venture eventually grew into several other eateries and business.
Since then, “Rosie” has won a seat on Barrie City Council (Ward 2), and still recognizes the need for community involvement in helping those less fortunate.
This year’s dinner will take place at Central United Church on Ross St.
“The dinners have now become a tradition,” Romita tells BarrieToday. “Yes, there is definitely a need and everyone looks forward to them, not only the participants but the volunteers as well. It's a sense of community coming together.”
What Romita finds particularly heart-warming is that the level of community support is still at a high level.
“Many people want to help in any way they can,” she said.
Early in 2009, Rose closed her downtown diner, to focus full-time on "Catering By Rose." It remains her goal to open a transitional house for the individuals who are actively seeking change.
Even at this late hour, there are still spaces for folks to pitch in.
“We are still needing volunteers for the prep on Sunday (from 12:30 to 5 p.m.) and the serving and cleanup on Monday,” she said. “We are (also) accepting donations of pop, desserts, fruit or cash.”
The dinners, which also take place at Christmas, Easter, can serve up to 800 meals. Romita, recognized four years ago by the Queen with the Diamond Jubilee Medal, says one of the more remarkable aspects of the dinners is that they represent a fair cross-section of the community.
“We have people from all walks of life, not necessarily just the homeless but, families that have no other family, people that don't want to be alone, people that have a home but not the funds to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal.”
Rose Romita’s annual Thanksgiving meal will begin to be served around noon, and runs through 6 p.m. on Monday, at Central United Church (54 Ross St.) downtown.
For more information, call 705-722-7763.
