Every other Sunday at 6 p.m., Angela Anderson and an ever-growing group of volunteers set up a tent at the old Courtenay train station and serve food for anyone who stops by.
Sunday Station is a service that started just over a year ago.
“In December (2019), my daughter and I decided we wanted to do something different for Christmas,” Anderson said. “We made turkey sandwiches, and the day after Christmas we took to the streets and handed them out to anyone that was on the street. Found it to be very overwhelming, and such a need. It was kind of heartbreaking.”
ALSO: Comox Valley mother, daughter create food service for the unfortunate
Thanks to the generosity of residents and local businesses, the Sunday Station has grown substantially.
“It really has grown,” said Anderson. “We now have COBS Bread, we have Thrifty Foods, Starbucks, Tim Horton’s, Cumberland Bakery, and now we have Phat Parrot contributing, and a new company, Jam & Co. coming out.
“It started off just as a kind of ‘to go’ thing, where people would pick up a snack and leave, but now volunteers are bringing out propane heaters and stoves, so we even serve hot meals.”
One volunteer in particular who has been a huge contributor is Robin MacDonald.
“She does so much. She is the other part of Sunday Station. She has been a part of it right from the beginning - in January of last year - and she never misses. And we have about 10 volunteers who are coming out regularly now, so it has expanded so much. ”
Anderson said they usually serve around 15 people, but that number can vary, depending on the weather.
“If it’s cold, there are definitely more people… because they know they can get a hot meal and a hot coffee,” she said.
She said the growth of Sunday Station has been somewhat overwhelming.
“I never thought that night in December it would become what it is today, but I made a promise to them that night, and I meant it.”
The next Sunday Station is Feb. 7, from 6-8 p.m. For more information, or to volunteer, email Anderson at sundaystation2020@gmail.com