A not-for-profit diner and local charity, 10 Friends Diner, is recovering after someone smashed their front window.
Around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, someone broke the front windows of the diner while it was closed. According to Executive Director, Carolyn Burton, a neighbour reached out to the owner of the building who contacted Burton about what had happened.
"At first, you're very upset, that is going to happen," said Burton, recounting how she felt upon finding out about the
A photo shows the front window of 10 Friends Diner boarded up the day after it was smashed. February 28, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Carolyn Burton).
vandalism. "Then you start to wonder why did it happen? Is someone mad at your business?"
The business in question, 10 Friends Diner, is both a community restaurant as well as a charity offering services and jobs to people suffering from mental illness.
"They come in and it gives them something to do," said Burton. "They have work performance here that helps them seek another job out in the community, just the camaraderie. And the program is run by the consumers. And it's gives them a sense of ownership. Like they own the diner, they run the diner."
10 Friends Diner has been struggling financially amid COVID-19, and Burton said this incident will impact their budget.
"We were not getting the business we used to," she said. "We went to a shutdown, takeout only. Not too many people order out for breakfast. So that's more of an impact for little diners such as ourselves."
Burton estimated that the cost to fix the window could be up to $1500.
Burton said thankfully nothing was stolen, and the act of vandalism appeared to be random. The person responsible was arrested.
Mental health programs and group sessions are still being offered at 10 Friends Diner, and Burton hopes anyone suffering from mental illness will continue to access their services.
"During the pandemic, if you are suffering any kind of mental health issues, please look into the programs that have been set up to help," she said. "It's vital. It's important."