ATHABASCA - Sometimes the simplest gestures can have the largest impact.
That’s the hope of VanHout Bakery owner Claire Van Hout anyway, as the Athabasca business has instituted a program to provide a free meal to anyone who is hungry.
Business has been slower at the bakery as of late, due to the restrictions on gatherings set forth by the provincial government to stop the spread of COVID-19, but a loyal group of patrons still stops in for their fix of fresh-baked goods daily.
If you’re one of them, you’ve seen the small, unassuming container, with the words ‘Bead to Feed’ scrawled across it as you approach the till. For the $5 purchase of a bead, someone else can enjoy a hot lunch with a homemade bun.
“There are so many who are unemployed, and it’s getting worse because of COVID-19, and I don’t want to see anybody go hungry,” said Van Hout after finishing her early morning baking for the day last Friday. “Nobody wants to come in and just ask, so if they take a bead, they can still pay for their soup and a bun with a bead.”
Van Hout said customers have been very generous and several down-on-their-luck patrons have taken advantage of the offer since it was put in place two weeks ago.
It’s a way to get a hot lunch, without even asking, said Van Hout. Just take a bead and choose what kind of soup you would like.
“It takes care of at least one meal for the day … You don’t have to feel bad, there is no humiliation. Nobody is going to question or judge,” she said. “You don’t want anybody to feel ashamed when they’re hungry. I felt that this way they could keep their dignity and have a hot meal too.”
Chris Zwick,TownandCountryToday.com
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