Queenies Bake Shop In Port Hope Gives Back To The Community
Queenies Bake Shop owner Adam Pearson celebrated his Thanksgiving along with his staff giving back to the community.
On Sunday, October 7, 2018 marks the seventh year he has cooked up a free Thanksgiving lunch/dinner for anyone coming into his business.
In fact, Pearson was so generous, you didn’t have to dine in, you could take the meals with you.
“I don’t want anyone left out because there are no seats.”
Over the course of getting the meals ready, Pearson prepared the meals for approximately 14 hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Moments after 12 p.m., the meals were served up to hungry people inside.
Approximately 150 pounds of turkey, 50 pounds of potatoes, vegetables, corn, beans, stuffing and gravy. Each plate was full when they came out of the kitchen.
The smiles on the faces of the people inside Queenies were enough to see, but some of the comments coming from the people when they looked at the delicious turkey dinner were just as incredible.
“This is awesome,” said one person seconds after the waitress placed the plate on the table.
“No words,” said another.
Two people from Whitby who are working in town said they heard about it and stopped in.
“It’s fantastic. It’s an amazing idea.”
In the first 40 minutes, there were 70 meals served.
“It’s a way to give back to the community,” said a humble Pearson.
“Port Hope gives back to me all throughout the year, so this is my turn to return the favour,” said Pearson just moments before the first meals were served.
“Everyone is welcome.”
And as much as he hopes the people enjoy the food, it gives Pearson a good feeling.
“All throughout the year you want to help everybody out, but you can only do so much.”
As much as he tries to help anyone in need throughout the year, over the holidays it’s different.
“You can tend to get a big group together all at once and it makes you feel good.”
The staff love helping out as well with one waitress offering to help after she had come home from university for the weekend.
Two others were coming home for the holiday weekend and offered to help, but there was just simply no room.
“Right from the first year I did this, I had people coming back saying it was the best meal they’ve ever had or it’s the best meal they’ve had this year or the only full meal they’ve had this year.”
On the holiday Monday, Pearson traditionally goes to Toronto to deliver meals to the homeless with a neighbours son Kallaway Mercer, but since he’s now playing for the Kingston Frontenacs, Pearson will be handing out food with in Kingston.
“Kingston has quite a need, so I’m going to head down there with at least 50 meals.”
For video click http://nesphotos.zenfolio.com/p366612358/hb93b80c7#hb93b80c7
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love