Hope Cottage
Written by admin2 on March 22nd, 2008Filed under: Themes, Bum Deal, Campaign Watch
http://www.hopecottage.ca
Hope Cottage is a charitable organization in Halifax, Nova Scotia whose mission is to provide meals to those who cannot afford to obtain these meals themselves.
Since its inception Hope Cottage has grown into a Halifax institution, feeding over 200 meals a day-Monday to Friday. Each day a brunch of soup and sandwich is served from 10:00 to 11:00 and a hot prepared meal from 5:00 to 6:00.
Hope Cottage was originally financed by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. But for nearly a quarter century Hope Cottage has been self-sufficient, with all revenues coming from unsolicited donations from individuals and corporations.
Hope Cottage relies heavily on volunteers. There are 3 volunteers for each meal, for a total of 30 people working two to three hours a week. Volunteers will work the same meal every week. These people serve meals, serve coffee, wash dishes, etc.
In the earlier days the volunteers would play cards and talk with the men after the meal. The increasing numbers in past years has not allowed this luxury as all available space is being used for eating areas. The original Hope Cottage was not very big, seating only 43 people at one time in three different rooms.
The kitchen was also very small and inefficient, making the work of the volunteers and staff difficult at best. Hope Cottage is now operating in their new and improved quarters which can seat 85 at one time in a single dining area. The kitchen has also been greatly improved thanks to a generous donation from the Edwards Family Foundation.
Canned goods, leftovers, or any other food that you may not need is always welcome. If you would like to make a monetary or food donation, please contact us at (902) 429 7968 or visit us at our Brunswick Street address.
Hope Cottage also publishes a quarterly newsletter. To receive a copy please call the cottage.
EXCERPT FROM A HOPE COTTAGE NEWSLETTER:
“The added room gives the guests a feeling of space that translates into an amazing feeling of calm and rejoicing. People are no longer expected to eat quickly so that the remaining people can come in and be served. The present seating capacity of about 90, is coincidentally large enough to allow the first person plenty of time to complete his/her meal before the 91st person sits down to eat. Enough cannot be said about the new addition and its effect on the operation, the staff, the volunteers and the guests. It has truly been a God send.”
EXCERPT FROM A HOPE COTTAGE NEWSLETTER:
“In many ways it is disappointing that we would have to build a bigger Hope Cottage. However, given the number of people being fed, and showing no signs of being reduced, the Board concluded that we could no longer serve our guests with the respect they deserve in the old facility.”
If you live in or around Halifax, Nova Scotia and are in need of a warm meal:
Go to 2435 Brunswick Street—Mondays to Fridays
Brunch (soup and sandwich): served from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Hot prepared meal: served from 5:00PM to 6:00PM
If you live anywhere on the globe, and can afford it:
Please call (902) 429-7968 to donate much needed money to this charity.
Help keep hope (cottage) alive.
