The Downtown Mission in Windsor is getting over 600 lbs of meat — and a $75,000 donation.
Local philanthropist Al Quesnel is donating the money towards the Downtown Mission's new wellness centre on Ouellette Ave. and CEO Ron Dunn says it brings the total amount raised to $300,000.
"This is to get people from sleeping on the streets or on the floor at the Mission on Victoria Ave. into their own bed, so it's an amazing gift and it's an amazing challenge that's been accepted by our community," says Dunn.
The fundraising target for the new wellness centre is $750,000.
"I've always known the Downtown Mission does a lot of good work locally and there's a great need," says Quesnel, deciding to top up what the Mission had already towards a $150,000 matching campaign.
Quesnel also partnered with Ted Farron's Gourmet Butcher Shop to get $6,000 worth of meat to the Downtown Mission.
Dunn says the meat will go to good use.
"You know, 726 meals a day now is our average. Four years ago when I walked through the door as an employee we were somewhere around the 200 mark," says Dunn. "The numbers are staggering."
Ted Farron, the butcher shop's namesake, says he wanted to help after hearing on the radio the Mission was out of food.
"I mentioned it to Al [Quesnel], 'Maybe we could help the Mission,'" says Farron. "And here we are. We've got a truck full of meat out there."
Dunn adds the donated meat isn't typically what the Downtown Mission buys.
"I understand there are some steaks there," says Dunn. "We don't serve steak at the Mission. We will be now which is wonderful."
