(Gananoque, ON – November 25, 2025) Food insecurity is a reality for far too many people in the world today, and too many people are ashamed to admit that they suffer from it. With exorbitant prices that are unmet by increases in income, food banks are seeing their usage increase on an almost daily basis and people who have lost their homes through whatever means find themselves hunting for any way in which they can feed themselves and still retain a sense of human dignity. It isn’t confined to larger population centres, but finds its home in small towns and villages, rural areas – anywhere that there are people, there is hunger.

“Our vision and mission are simple,” said Mary Donevan of Donevan’s in Gananoque. “The soup kitchen is complimentary and for anyone and everyone who wants to experience the hospitality of this community; to make friendships, connections and supports over a shared meal; to overcome social issues such as loneliness, addressing food security needs, including for young families. It is for outreach making new residents and guests feel welcome and to provide a nutritious meal five days a week to those who may have difficulty doing this for themselves at this time.”

A daughter of Charlie Donevan, who was known as “Mr. Gananoque” and who passed on at nearly 100 years of age in 2024, she feels that her life is guided by her father’s beliefs.

“This has always been Donevan’s heritage – to serve the needs of the community,” she said. “With the Salvation Army no longer here we recognize how important the need is to take on this role. Nik Giannakouras (proprietor of Moroni’s restaurant), who is always community focused and supportive of any worthwhile community venture including many of Charlie’s projects in the past, is providing the restaurant venue as well as the preparation and serving of the meal.”

While unrelated to the Salvation Army’s kettle campaign, Donevan and Giannakouras plan to provide kettles of nourishing soups for all who need them. They are reaching out to the community and the local service organizations for financial support as well as recruiting volunteers to help make the program successful.

“We are kickstarting this community venture in partnership with (Giannakouras) at Moroni’s by using funds from donations to ‘Charlie’s’ thrift shop,” said Donevan. “The week that the Salvation Army abruptly closed, I immediately decided to incorporate a thrift shop into Donevan’s. I thought it was a perfect fit to take this on, especially to offer good quality donated clothing for five dollars. Children’s clothing is free. As it became apparent that the thrift shop was very successful and had overwhelming and unanimous widespread support from the community, I then approached (Giannakouras) and asked him if he would be interested in partnering with us for a soup kitchen. We met and here we are, excited and hopeful.”

Other committee members are Gordon McFarlane, Barb O’Neil and Amanda O’Hearn Cartwright. They are creating numerous fundraising ideas to bring the soup kitchen online, including a Christmas “soup bowl drive”. They are selling $5 “meal tickets”, the money going directly to the soup kitchen expenses. The purchase of a booklet of four tickets at $20 receives a beautiful gift from the soup kitchen Christmas tree in Donevan’s where the motto is “Christmas is for Giving”. The Soup Kitchen of Gananoque has an official bank account and is working toward getting charitable status so it can give proper receipts for funds that have been donated. Donations can be e-transferred to gananoquesoup@gmail.com .

“We are also organizing volunteer hosting opportunities for groups to network and provide other community services and supports to attendees and guests following the luncheon or in the evening in this venue,” said Donevan. “It is an opportunity for volunteers to give back, gain skills, and make a meaningful, rewarding, and compassionate contribution with their shared expertise and life experience.”

They are planning a soft opening on December 1 at 12 noon with a menu of hearty homemade soup, breads/rolls, coffee, tea, juice, and dessert. The full grand opening is planned for Friday December 12 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. with dignitaries, organizers and supporters invited. Soup kitchen hours will be Monday to Friday 12 noon – 2 p.m. The soup kitchen itself will be located inside Moroni’s on the bar side of the restaurant.

“We hope to see people stop in to join us for a meal,” she said. “If Charlie were here, he’d be so happy to have everyone come in, have a good time and be fed. It’s how we give back to our community.”