ACTON, ON - Patric Collins, a local resident of Acton, Ontario, has begun an inspiring initiative to serve free community dinners to those in need. The project was born out of a desire to pay it forward and to honour the memory of his late wife, Karin.
The effort began when Collins took the time to engage with members of the local community during the Roxy’s weekly coffee hour. "I started it meeting the people on the street, and one day attending coffee hour on a Monday which the Roxy has from 10-12 am. I got to meet some of the fellows that live on the street," he shared.
When asked by one such individual, Ricky, about how he could help, the answer was simple, "a hot meal". Inspired by the exchange, Collins set his sights on making this request a reality.
"This is our second one, and Dwight and I are really good friends, I shared it with him, and he was on board, as well as my wife and Elaine, Dwight’s Wife. So we're just learning as we go," said Collins. Dwight Dyke, an active participant in the project, added: "It's really good, our numbers are up really good this week. We prepared for sixty this week and we're in the 40s this week, and some of these people are getting their first hot meal they had in weeks, some since our last week."
This community dinner was catered by Tanners Restaurant and Catering, and featured a warm, home-style chicken meal with potatoes, salad and dessert. Patric and Dwight covered the expenses. "There's a lot of volunteers besides us 4, we are just the wheels that get it going," said Dwight.
In light of the successful turnout, the next community dinner is set to take place on June 20th at 5 pm at the Roxy on Mill Street East in Acton. Collins, driven by a powerful motivation to help his community, has big plans for the initiative: "I'm hoping to do this every month, and if it grows, bi-weekly. Because we have to pay it forward."
These free community dinners can be more than just a gesture of goodwill; for some, they are a lifeline to those struggling with food insecurity. "There are so many people on the street, and there are people who basically won't see the food bank for how many evenings, and there are people who have jobs, but they are paying too much, paying for bills and they need to eat something. That's where my passion is, to pay it forward," said Collins.
The community dinners also serve as a way to honour the memory of Collins’ late wife, Karin (K), who passed away in 2021. Patric and his present wife, Gloria, who also lost her husband David (D), have named the venture the 'KD Foundation' in memory. "Being my present wife lost her husband and myself, my wife, we have decided to call our venture the KD Foundation to support wherever we can the homeless, special needs, and families going through tough times," Patric said.
Those interested in supporting the cause can reach out to Collins directly at kdfoundation520@gmail.com. Whether it's by volunteering time or making a donation, every little bit helps keep this noble effort going and helps to honour the memory of those loved and lost.
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