By Rori Bennett – Junior Reporter
The Black Goose Grill is doing their part to help families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark Childs, manager of the downtown Wallaceburg restaurant, started giving out free soup for families in need, along with a loaf of bread from Maple City Bakery.
“This is just for those in need,” Childs told the Sydenham Current.
“We do not judge. Anyone who feels that they are in need, can be put on the list. This is not for anyone still working, or sitting comfortably at home with revenue. This is geared to be offered to those shut in, those who are disabled or elderly, or those who have no job to sustain them.”
Childs said the initiative began on Wednesday, March 25, with the second day held on Friday, March 28. An estimated 500 soup meals were given out each day so far, for a total of over 1,000 portions.
Moving forward, the takeout meals will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Childs said.
Childs said he plans to continue this arrangement for a minimum of four weeks, which will carry through until the end of April. At this time, the plan will be reevaluated, based on the need from the community, Childs added.
“It was myself, my family and my two sons, along with volunteers who have helped to organize this,” Childs said.
“Brian Wadsworth has supplied all of the packaging. His company is Kent Sanitation, and he supplied everything at cost.”
Childs said funds to support the meals came from his family and community donations, specifically donations from the ‘A Night of Comedy’ event held in Wallaceburg earlier this month.
Each family signed up for this service will receive a foil tray of homemade soup from The Black Goose Grill and a loaf of bread from Maple City Bakery.
Larger families can receive double portions, Childs added.
Community donations are encouraged and can be sent through e-transfer to theblackgoose@hotmail.ca.
Childs said if there are any funds left over at the end of the program, it will be split evenly between the Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul.
Follow The Black Goose Grill on Facebook for updates, here.
