Good grub for a great “kommunity” cause

On Thursday, July 22, in the parking lot across from their building, board members and volunteers with Tennille’s Hope Kommunity Soup Kitchen held a BBQ Fundraiser. The Downtown Auto parking lot was the perfect spot to set up the big BBQ, a few tents, and an area for attendees to sit while enjoying a hot lunch.

Chair of the board for Tennille’s Hope, Ray Hilts (current town councillor and candidate for mayor), said they decided to up their fundraising game going forward, including an annual BBQ. “It’s something we do, in terms of cooking food for people and looking after their needs. A fundraiser is a great way to increase our exposure as well as put a little money in our bank account to support our work throughout the year.”

Hilts, who was in charge of loading up the bacon for the burgers, said that food is one of the highest costs that Tennille’s Hope has. “Fundraisers go towards our food costs, some labour costs, and the costs of operating the Kommunity Kitchen. It’s open three days a week right now, though it varies depending on COVID and some other things. Nonetheless, that’s our core service, and that’s what the BBQ goes towards.”

Over the lunch hour, the crew cooked up burgers, hot dogs, and smokies, plus provided popcorn, cookies, and drinks. Hilts said he hoped that they would sell out. “We’ve had lots of support, and things are good. Not only will we make a bit of money, but it also helps reintroduce ourselves to the community because people don’t know much about Tennille’s Hope.”

The kitchen supports Whitecourt’s homeless population, but that isn’t where it stops. “If you look at the people we serve, it’s not just the homeless community. We serve single-parent families, seniors, others that are looking for ways to feed themselves. I think the Kommunity Kitchen does a great job of doing that. The money that we have goes towards those services and potentially expanding those services to those in need,” explained Hilts.

“I think, in the future, the board at Tennille’s Hope wants to work with other agencies in town to be a more wrap-around service instead of just putting food in people’s bellies. These people that come and use our service have needs beyond being hungry. I think there’s an opportunity now with other groups in town to provide a broader service level to those that need it, including the homeless and others that need help,” said Hilts.

On top of providing delicious meals and needing money and supplies to cook them, the board also has other priorities. “We have loan obligations that go with running the business and operating the building. Any money we can raise goes directly to boots on the ground services for people that need them.” Having residents pop by to support the fundraiser is that much more critical when accounted for the many ways their dollars are supporting Tennille’s Hope.

Throughout COVID, volunteers kept up with providing services, even though they couldn’t open their doors and let people inside. “We did take out lunch two or three days a week during COVID for periods of time. Now we’ll be able to open up the kitchen again and do service right in house,” said Hilts. He said that they expect to see an uptick in need from community members looking for food.

For those that missed out on the yummy BBQ, donations can be made to Tennille’s Hope at any time. “We are always interested in getting any donation to help us provide services to our community.” As for volunteers, Hilts said that there is a great group working in the Kommunity Kitchen but that more are always welcome. “Anyone who would like to join is encouraged to reach out,” said Hilts, with a big smile. “We have a Facebook page that people can send a message to get more information.” There is also a website, www.tennilleshope.com.

“Enough can’t be said about people in the community who step out and come out to things that are in support of those in our community that need help. I love Tennille’s Hope for that, and there are other agencies in town and non-profits that are passionate about that portion of our population that needs support, and it’s great.”