Shelters across Canada have been impacted by COVID restrictions. Food insecurity has been a major concern due to the closure of many of the shelter’s dining rooms.
When the pandemic hit, two women in Toronto, Carolyn Quigley and Lauri Wells, had the idea to enlist a number of volunteers to make sandwiches on a regular basis and deliver them to the shelters in the Toronto area. Sandwich Sisters was born.
When I moved to the Peterborough area in March of 2020 I was looking for some way to get involved in community affairs. A friend told me about One Roof Community Center in Peterborough.
One Roof, which is administered by the Saint John’s Anglican Church, is a drop-in center that services a variety of marginalized clients suffering from homelessness, food insecurity and social exclusion.
One Roof used to provide indoor dining with hot lunches and dinners. However, since the onset of COVID, the dining room has been closed and the centre was and still is only able to provide one takeout hot lunch and one takeout bag per day per client.
After checking with the Toronto organizers, I received approval to set up a branch, or “pod” as they are called, of Sandwich Sisters in the Bethany, Millbrook, Cavan and Peterborough area to service One Roof. We were the first pod outside of Toronto. Sandwich Sisters now has pods and volunteers right across Canada.
I am feeling very proud of our commitment to One Roof through our Sandwich Sisters initiative. I would like to give a huge vote of thanks to our volunteers representing Harmony Pastoral Care, Saint Thomas Anglican Church, Saint John’s Anglican Church in Ida, Grace United Church, All For Christ Empowerment Church, Sprinkles and Things in Bethany, Blank Canvas Hair and Art Studio in Millbrook plus all of our individual volunteers for their dedication and commitment. Many of them have been with me from the beginning. I would also like to thank Millbrook Farm Supply who has graciously served as my drop off point and hub in Millbrook.
The staff and clients of One Roof are incredibly grateful. One Roof has requested minimal personal involvement so I am the only person they see as I deliver the sandwiches. When I arrive at the shelter, clients are often waiting outside and when they see me, they often say the “sandwich lady” is here. I represent everyone in the sandwich group and am so humbled by the emotion shown. There is something very satisfying about being able to give back to those less fortunate in these extremely difficult times.
We welcome any new “Sisters” and “Bro’s” to our group. If you would like to get involved or want some more information please contact me, Jane Berlin at sandwichsistersmb@gmail.com
A sandwich is just two pieces of bread and a filling, but for the ones on the receiving end, it represents memories of happier days gone by. It’s comforting to them to know that someone has taken the time and cares.
By Jane Berlin
