Masons Helping Feed the Less Fortunate in Cobourg
Two Masons are doing what they can to help the less fortunate at this time of year.
For the last four weeks on Thursday’s, Jim Corkery and Ray Vosburgh have been preparing hot meals for those attending The Warming Hub in Cobourg.
The Warming Hub, located at St. Peter’s Church on the corner of King Street East and College Street and is open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily for the less fortunate and people that need a break from the weather.
Corkery’s brother Greg also offered his help in the kitchen at the Port Hope Masonic Temple on Toronto Road on Thursday, November 23, 2023.
The three men under the leadership of Vosburgh made chilli with Italian seasoning, goulash, rolls and bread pudding.
“It’s a way to help those less fortunate,” said Corkery.
“We’re at least able to keep a roof over our head and a warm meal in our belly so it’s a way to give that back to people can’t quite do that.”
Neil Ellis who is Board Chair and Acting Co-Executive Director of Transition House and The Warming Hub wrote a letter to the men stating his gratitude.
“We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for your meal donations on Thursday’s. Your generosity and thoughtfulness have made a different to our unhoused individuals within the community. The meals you have provided over the last three weeks not only provided our clients with a hot meal, but a sense of community within the Warming Hub.”
Ellis said in the three weeks, the meals provided on Thursdays have fed approximately 90-100 people.
Corkery said when he received the letter, he was very grateful and said with a smile, “it’s a nod that you’re doing the right thing and going in the right direction and that I didn’t screw up.”
Donations from $20 – $200 have been coming in for the meals.
‘It all helps,” with the average cost on Thursday buying the meals at $100 to $200. The Masons have graciously supplied the kitchen at no charge.
Vosburgh has been a cook for approximately two-decades and said he’s grateful to help.
“It’s a good deed. It’s happening all around us. Most people want to scoff at it. There is two attitudes towards at it – scoff at it or do something to help it out.”
When Corkery approached him, Vosburgh said it was the perfect time because he runs a seasonal business (Rey Ray’s Food Truck).
If it catches on and more people learn about the program – it’s all for the better.
“We can go farther with this, but chili and American goulash for now until we figure out where we stand. Then it could turn into Shepherd’s pie, stews, or chicken pot pie and things like that.”
They have approximately $800 which is enough for a month of meals.
“As long as there is money there, we’ll keep doing this,” said Corkery.
Anyone who wishes to donate can send an e-transfer to hotmeal@jimcorkery.com.
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