The Grace Cafe celebrated its eighth anniversary on Saturday with a full house of guests, as founder and CEO Ginny Trepanier calls those who drop in for food, clothing, comfort and company.
On a typical day, Grace Cafe will see upward of 100 individuals come through the front door.
And, a lot has changed over time, not all of it in a good sense, notes Trepanier.
Grace Cafe continues to operate without any government funding instead, notes Trepanier, the community has always supported them.
It was obvious Saturday the need for the Grace Cafe has far from diminished.
The opening this year of the city’s emergency shelter has had minimum impact stresses Trepanier, because it is no longer a refuge just for the homeless.
She calls them guests, but for Trepanier and her volunteers they have become friends over the years.
For the Grace Cafe, it’s a long way from what started with a hope of plugging in a coffee maker and supplying some conversation to those who need it.
Written by Ian McCallum
