'Banquetless Banquet': Lighthouse Mission fundraiser aims to feed healthy, healing meals to homeless

The Lighthouse Mission is challenging Winnipeggers to help fund a new food program thatserves healthy, healing meals to the less fortunate.

The "Banquetless Banquet" fundraiser launched Tuesday aims to raise $100,000 for the Main Street charity. With every $50 donation toward an "empty plate,"the mission can feed one person 12 times, or 12 people in a day.

"We are really, really in serious need of donations, monetary donations specifically, to keep our feeding programs and our care programs happening," said Daniel Emond, a Lighthouse Mission volunteer and board member.

"I'm challenging the city, every household in Winnipeg: instead of going out for dinner, would you buy a platewhat we call the the 'empty plate?' That would help us reach the goal."

The mission's numbers are higher than ever, especially this summer, he said, with 200-300 breakfasts being served each day and 300-400 lunches.

He said in the last year, Lighthouse Missionhas stopped relying on whatever food was donated for its meal program, instead switching to nutritious and wholesome daily meals: eggs, porridge and fruit for breakfast, deli-style sandwiches and hearty soup for lunch. On Fridays, a chili dinner is served, along with music, testimonials and stories.

"We've had to actually start buying food. So the reason we're in such desperate need of funding is to pay for the food," Emond said.

"And trust me, we've done our due diligence in finding the best possible prices with the best suppliers, soliciting people to donate quality stuff to get the fresh meats, fresh bread, fresh fruits, dairyon an ongoing daily basis, we've found there's really no one that can just give that to us."

People also come to the mission every day for spiritual guidance, community, and care they don't get on the streets "providing not only a healthy meal but a healthy atmosphere and a safe place for them to come and talk and get help if they need it," said Emond.

"We need people to help us reach this goal of $100,000," he said.

"You're not only giving these people hope and health for their bodiesa lot of them are in desperate need of that but you're also giving them an unconditional love that most of them would never receive if we weren't there."

Donations to the "Banquetless Banquet" campaign can be made through the Lighthouse Mission's website.