“Kind, committed, thoughtful, resourceful, hardworking and creative, these are the words to describe our volunteers,” said Bonny Jensen, chair at the Trinity Community Table (TCT) in Cambridge.
Since 1992, Trinity Community Table has provided meals, three days a week, to anyone in need.
Volunteers prepare and serve meals for up to 175 guests in the parish hall of Trinity Anglican Church every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
And in September of this year, TCT will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
“It is a year to be thankful for every volunteer and every donation that we are able to share with our guests,” Jensen said.
The mission of TCT, a community outreach program, is to provide nourishing noontime meals in a hospitable environment to all in need.
The organization and has over 85 volunteers who contribute more than 10,000 hours each year.
Cheryl Kewley, secretary at Trinity Community Table, has been involved with preparing and serving meals for over 28 years.
“We are here because there is a need, and as long as there is a need, we will be always here. We just want to serve those in need,” Kewley said.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy it. Our biggest accomplishment is that we are volunteer run.”
Over many years, TCT volunteers have risen to meet the needs in the community and to help make a difference.
“It’s extraordinary. You don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes. When you see it, you just can’t help but say WOW,” said Sonja Woodman, volunteer coordinator at TCT.
“It’s not a job. People come out because they want to give back to the community. There’s so much they can do.”
Volunteers have developed their own sense of community over the past 30 years.
“We are so close. To socialize with everyone, especially after COVID-19, it’s so great to have that social contact again,” Woodman said.
The pandemic has had a huge impact on the delivery of services. But in 2021, TCT provided 15,771 hot take-out meals including sandwiches, salads, fruits, treats and baked goods.
During the pandemic, TCT received a donation of a heating unit and 5,000 containers from the Cambridge Food Bank which enabled the organization to serve hot meals.
“We used to procure our own food. Since the pandemic, The Cambridge Food Bank and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region now work together. We still need to purchase some items, but it is great because we have now amalgamated,” Kewley said.
“We have developed so many partnerships in the community over the years including St. Paul’s Church, other churches, service clubs, individuals, businesses, Bingemans, Canadian General Tower, the Cambridge Food Bank, and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.”
TCT is planning to resume in-person services when regulations allow.
“It really is a community. Clients have a place to sit, warm themselves, and use the bathroom. During the pandemic, all of that was taken away,” Jensen said.
Kewley said guests are missing the in-person contact.
“They like to sit down and meet with their friends. It's something they really look forward to,” Kewley said.
At Thanksgiving TCT served hot turkey dinners and every year, TCT offers a Christmas dinner with all of the fixings.
Last holiday season, 160 hot dinners were given out. Guests also received gift bags with hats, mitts, toiletries, and treats.
“For me, it is so humbling to see everyone at Christmas. We’re all human. At some point in our lives, we all need help,” Woodman said.
TCT has also developed a garden project.
“We have two plots that volunteers have been looking after for about four years. We grow anything from herbs to vegetables and our gardeners work closely with our cooks,” Kewley said.
With rising food costs and the impacts of the pandemic, TCT has noticed an increase in the number of guests visiting every week.
“These aren’t just people who are homeless. It’s also individuals and families who are just trying to make ends meet and struggling to pay rent. We have people from all walks of life. Everyone has a story,” Woodman said.
Anyone is invited to volunteer at the Trinity Community Table and can help with meal preparation, set-up, serving, cleanup, laundry, grocery shopping, or serve on the board of directors.
“Being here, it gives me faith in humanity,” Woodman said.
“Trinity Community Table is a jewel in the community.”
To volunteer, donate, or get more information, contact Trinity Community Table at 519-621-8860 or [email protected]
Visit TCT here and on Facebook or Instagram.
