During the 20-plus years that the Sonshine Lunch Club (SLC) has been in operation, it has been held at St. George’s United Church in downtown Courtenay. This facility has been very suitable for its central location, the size of the hall and general accessibility. The SLC (a.k.a. soup kitchen) has been very thankful that over the years St. George’s United Church has given permission for their building to house this program.
Not long after the start of the SLC, a dishwasher was installed in the kitchen. What a relief to washing all those dishes by hand! More recently other upgrades were made in the kitchen: new ovens, new fridges, another new dishwasher. However, the actual structure has had minimal updates or repairs. In the kitchen, this has made it difficult to sanitize the food prep areas and to keep a sink available for hand washing. The washroom facilities are also in need of replacement and upgrades. New washrooms are needed with access for handicapped people and to provide comfort and safety for our guests and volunteers.
Early this year, the staff and management of St. George’s United Church approached the board of the SLC to partner with them in funding a renovation of both the kitchen and the washroom area. The United Church has tendered quotes for updates of both of these areas and this has come in at a cost of approximately $100,000. St. George’s has asked the SLC to raise a third of this amount. As a primary user of these spaces, the SLC has agreed to begin a fundraising program, specifically for the renovations, over the next months.
The Sonshine Club is appealing to the community – service clubs, individuals, business and community groups – to help SLC raise these funds so that the volunteers can know that the best food safety standards are being met in providing lunches to its guests. Please note: all donations that are intended for this project, should be marked “Renovation Fund.” Cheques payable to the Sonshine Lunch Club may be dropped off at St. George’s United Church, 505 6th Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1M5 or mailed to the same address.