‘What needs to be done, gets done’: Preston residents, restaurants team up to support local homeless shelters

Volunteers handed out hot meals and winter essentials to Cambridge's homeless community. CTV's Hannah Schmidt has the story.

People experiencing homelessness in Cambridge got a hot meal Sunday, and picked up some winter essentials, thanks to the hard work of residents and businesses in Preston.

“We see people everywhere that might not have the warmth and comfort that we have, or the other things that we have,” explained organizer Daniela Sfara.

Volunteers first gathered in Central Park and then stopped at nearby shelters, bringing along prepared meals, snacks and items such as warm clothing, hats and mitts.

“It was less than two weeks ago... I started emailing businesses,” Sfara explained. “I got some very quick responses, wonderful responses. And then from that, the community came together to donate lots of winter warmth.”

A handful of local restaurants and businesses also contributed food or supplies.

“I’m very happy to be able to support something that I believe is very essential for the community,” said Oscar Jiron, the owner of Cambridge Restaurant. “I think food should be accessible to everyone.”

“I just knew there was something special here,” added Conor Blackmore, the owner of The Nook Cook House. “It’s something I believe in, and I think we need to do more of this in the community.”

One of the drop-off locations was The Bridges shelter on Simcoe Street.

“We need winter clothing, big jackets, blankets,” said Bridges resident Steve Katruck. “This is turning out to be a pretty nasty winter so far.”

“The generosity that is showing in this place is fantastic,” he continued. “There’s a lot of great people here.”

Volunteers said the community need continues to grow but also noted the strong support from residents and businesses throughout Preston.

“From just a simple, ‘Hey, are you willing to help me out here?’ And that, to me, is community. That to me screams... what needs to be done gets done. And that’s the simplicity of it,” Sfara explained.

Organizers said their small idea quickly grew into a community-wide effort. Even though it lasted just a few hours, participants hope the message has a lasting impact.

“When there’s the right time, the right season, the right reason, we will do whatever we can,” Blackmore said.

Sfara agreed.

“It’s like a growing garden,” he said. “The more you plant beauty and grass, the less weeds, right? And so, the more beauty we put out there and the more goodness we put out there, it just keeps growing.”