Members of city council are giving back to the community, helping those in need this holiday season.
Five councillors, along with numerous senior staff members, served a holiday lunch on Wednesday to over 100 clients at the Inn of the Good Shepherd.
Organizer and City-County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts issued the challenge to staff and her fellow councillors.
Sarnia councillors and staff make a meal for clients at the Inn of the Good Shepherd - Dec. 21/22 (Blackburn Media Photo by Josh Boyce)
"I'm pretty sure this has never happened before," said McRoberts. "This initiative, to come in with a new council, and really let the Inn staff know that we're here for them and we're going to do whatever we can to make the interactions with us positive and respectful. We are going to be here, this isn't just a one time deal."
Adam Kilner, Bill Dennis, Brian White, and Anne Marie Gillis were the other councillors on hand.
McRoberts said part of her challenge was to encourage her counterparts to donate a turkey to charity, rather than taking part in a gift exchange.
She said 17 turkeys were donated, which is amazing.
Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni said they distribute around 55,000 pounds of food each month, and are spending $25,000 monthly to keep the shelves stocked.
Pre COVID, they were only spending about $5,000 per month.
Meanwhile, the Inn has adopted 600 families that will be gifted toys on their wish lists.
