One of my favourite memories of my childhood was when my Auntie Helen came to visit. This meant that I would get a new sweater or shoes and that we would go out to a restaurant to eat. My aunt loved Chinese food. I loved getting all dressed up and sitting like a grown up at a fancy table, watching all that was going on around me.
One of my favourite things in my life now is that I can offer this to others. No matter if you are the mayor of Nelson, or Sally who has no home, all are welcome at our restaurant.
When we moved from Baker Street, it was a huge change for not only us, but for all the people who could access our Suspended Fund. If you are unfamiliar with this fund, it is a means for people who do not have food security to have a meal, in a restaurant with everyone else.
In the early stages of moving to Nelson Avenue, our regulars found it a long walk, so the fund was not accessed much, maybe 10 times a month. Then COVID-19 hit and life changed as we all know. However, with the many changes in town, specifically the Hub closing, we feed on average 8-12 people a day! This is huge, and we have to limit the options just to make it accessible to all.
When the newspaper picked up the story, then the regional CBC and national CBC, we were humbled by the response. Times have changed though, and we find that we run very low or no funds at all. But we will continue to feed people. Every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and have the opportunity to sit in a restaurant with others and enjoy a meal.
Mari Plamondon
Wait’s On Nelson
