New Appliances Thanks to Project Clear Skies
July 23, 2006
NEW APPLIANCES THANKS TO PROJECT CLEAR SKIES
Centre 507 support worker Margaret Johnson says the food served to participants is a “precious commodity.” It’s the reason most people first come to the Centre. It explains the line-up outside the entrance each day at opening time. When food is put out on the table at 507, it quickly attracts a crowd.
Staff and volunteers work hard to stretch what they have to feed as many as possible.
The last thing they needed to worry about was food going bad due to an old fridge that “kept shutting down,” said Margaret. While she and other staffers hated to waste food, they also had to “err on the side of caution” with spoilage to safeguard the health of participants.
These headaches have disappeared, thanks to $5,000 from the Ottawa International Airport Authority’s Project Clear Skies. This contribution allowed the Centre to replace outdated and unreliable appliances with brand new stainless steel fridges and a stove.
Kitchen volunteers Greg Towers and Grant Bougaize point out more advantages of the new appliances: more freezer space, more storage space, easy-to-clean stovetop, self-cleaning oven, room on the stovetop for both giant soup pots.
The Airport Authority sees its contributions as investments in the National Capital community that is responsible for its success. Its goal is to improve the region by funding projects for those in need.
When another relief worker, Richard Leblanc, heard Margaret being interviewed for this story, he said: “Be sure to mention the old walk-in fridge.” When one of the old fridges was on the fritz, precious food was moved to a supply room with an open window and a closed door. The new Clear Skies fridge is a big improvement.