On my last day of work before a very much anticipated winter vacation to warmer climes, I woke up very early on a cold dark morning to help Rick Norick, program director, provide breakfast to those in need in our community.  During this season of merriment and mirth it is easy to forget that not everyone attended five Christmas receptions, two Christmas parties, and three turkey dinners in the lead-up to the holiday season.  

For the past 16 years, on the first Friday of every month (December being an anomaly this year), a few dedicated souls from Ranch Ehrlo, and a handful of social work practicum students recruited by the Ranch’s Patti Petrucka, serve a hot breakfast to approximately 75 to 150 individuals at St. Paul’s Cathedral auditorium.  Rick usually arrives at the church shortly after 5:00 am to open up and start preparing the food.  The rest of us stumble in between 5:30 and 6:30 to help set the tables, fry pancakes, pour the juice, and dish out the porridge and cornflakes.

Previously referred to as “Feed the Hungry”, the program has thankfully been renamed as the “Breakfast Club”.  Although lacking in resources, the majority of those who brave the cold to eat breakfast, and drink barrels of coffee, are like a “club”, or at least a loosely formed community.  Many sit with the same group at the same table every month to compare notes and critique various venues they have recently attended, whether it’s the caliber of hot meals at Soul’s Harbour, the soup at Carmichael Outreach, or the sandwich lunches at the Waterston Centre.  ‘Garth’, a gifted musician and a die-hard rider fan, entertains the group on the piano as soon as he has finished eating.  The folks catch up with each other and ask about those acquaintances not in attendance--often because of mental health or addictions issues or as ‘Gary’ offers “because the darkness starts to move in”.   And when anyone acts up or becomes disruptive, we rarely have to send in the “big guy” (Rick).  The folks usually sort things out on their own and reestablish order.

When I walk out the doors of the church at 8:00 am after scrubbing the syrup of the table cloths and wiping the coffee off the floor, I have a better sense of perspective and an appreciation for all that I have.    And as I drive home to shower off the fragrance of sausages and pancakes, I am renewed with the spirit of season—that we may have peace on earth and goodwill towards man.