Kitchen News
COnstruction update - November 26
The renovations at The Kitchen are now 90% complete! Despite unexpected challenges extending our timeline, the construction team, trades, and our architect have risen to the occasion with innovative solutions and we have been making plenty of exciting progress.
Key Highlights:
● Food Supply Area: A second walk-in fridge and a new walk-in freezer have been installed, along with HVAC and climate control, additional lighting and hand-washing sink.
● Dish Room: A larger, ergonomic dish machine has been installed, along with expanded stainless steel counters and 3 part sink, a second grease interceptor, and improved ventilation.
● Commercial Kitchen: Non-slip flooring, a new island, double-basin sink, beautiful cabinets, our service counter with a coffee nook!, fire hood and fire suppression systems are all installed. Next up is countertop installation, hooking up the commercial appliances, and inspections.
● Exterior: The air exchange and AC units, approved by the church council, were installed earlier this fall, and final venting is now complete. As per our agreement with the church council, we have begun to install attractive fencing and landscaping that will conceal the mechanical units while creating a warm and welcoming exterior that complements the building’s modern design. The fencing will be completed by the end of November. As well, the front sidewalk has been demolished, the front path graded and re-surfaced with cement. Improved guard rails have been installed down to the sidewalk with design and correct height to improve accessibility.
● Other Areas: Accessibility upgrades in the washroom, new HVAC system, beautiful birch doors, fresh paint throughout, reconfigured pantry room, a welcoming gathering area with comfortable chairs and tables, and front entrance improvements are nearly complete!
Next Steps & Timeline:
We are working to schedule final inspections with Saanich Planning and Saanich Fire Department for the first few weeks of December. Once occupancy is received, we will conduct our final move in for preparation for Island Health’s inspection to receive our Food Service Premise Permit to operate.
Given the timeline, for the month of December, we will continue to deliver programs and services from the Upper Hall of LCC -including our wonderful holiday programs- until we close for the holidays. When we return in January, we will be in our newly updated facility!
In MEMORY of GEORGE SCHELLENBERG - VICTORIA LIONS CLUB VP
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Victoria Lions Club member George Schellenberg on October 10, 2024. George was one of our greatest cheerleaders during the years he was President of the Gordon Head Lions Club. Later when they joined the Victoria Lions Club, we gained a whole new group of supporters! Each year George arranged and helped deliver a van full of the Soup Can Project in December. This delivery filled our shelves with a variety of soups, stews and canned goods! His sense of humour and pride in contributing back to his community was infectious.
We are so pleased to share that the Victoria Lions Club will now call this project the George Schellenberg Memorial Soup Can Project and fellow Lions Club members will ensure it continues!
George has left his imprint on our hearts and we will miss him dearly! George kept in close touch. These were his last words to us:
“It is a pleasure for our Lions Club to be associated with such a dynamic dedicated Community Service oriented organization such as your “Community Kitchen”. We go back as partners in Service to 2015 when we (then the Gordon Head Lions) started supporting your Society and it has been such a pleasure working with such dedicated folks like yourselves and your staff over the years.”
Lion George VP
We pass along our deepest condolences to George’s wife Alice and son Darwin as well as his fellow Victoria Lions Club members.
BACK TO SCHOOL STOCK UP CAMPAIGN (Aug 26-Sept 7)
🎒 Support Local Kids with the Shelbourne Community Kitchen’s Back to School Fundraiser! 🎒
As the new school year approaches, we’re launching our Back to School Stock Up campaign with a goal to raise $12K for kids in K-12. We’re asking for your help to ensure over 500+ children we serve start the school year with nutritious meals and snacks.
“At this point, we are asking for cash donations, which allow us to purchase fresh produce, dairy, healthy proteins, and other perishable items that are essential for a balanced diet. Your dollar will stretch further as we work with local suppliers to get the best deals,” explains Kim Cummins, Shelbourne Community Kitchen Director of Operations.
🌟 Every donation makes a difference:
💚 $25 – Nourishing Snacks for a Student
🍎 $50 – Wholesome Lunches for a Little Learner
🎒 $100 – Setting Up for Success
With rising costs, many families struggle to provide nutritious meals, putting kids at risk of going to school hungry. Even the smallest contribution can help set a child up for success this school year!
🗓️ Campaign Dates: August 26th – September 7th
💻 Donate at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/shelbourne_community_kitchen/campaign/back-to-school-stock-up
🎁 All donations $20 of more are eligible for a tax receipt.
2024 AGM
Our heartfelt thanks to all who joined The Kitchen Board and staff at our 2024 AGM and member dinner. It meant so much to us all to be together in person, and to have had such a good turn out of volunteers, supporters, and participants. The member’s dinner was made with care by volunteer, Chef Mark Davie, and our summer staff team, Keegan, Claire, Jack, and Lucy, with generous sponsorship from our partners, Sysco Foods and Gordon Food Services. We are so thankful for our incredible sponsors and our hard-working team who made our delicious meal possible. Each component of the dinner showcased a recipe that was part of our 2023 Food Skills Programs or Pantry to Plate Features.
The Annual General Meeting highlighted the Shelbourne Community Kitchen’s many achievements, challenges, and innovations from 2023, and celebrated the tremendous contributions of our many dedicated volunteers. Clarice Dillman (Board Chair), led the proceedings with ease and humour, Cathy Flikweert (Treasurer) reported on the financials, and Kim Cummins (Director of Operations) reviewed the organization’s programs and impact from the year. Together, Clarice and Kim shared Phase 2 construction updates of the much anticipated commercial kitchen and exciting details of the organization’s plans for the remainder of 2024.
We want to thank the many volunteers who helped with preparations for the event, our Board of Directors, our staff team, Chef Scott Doust from Sysco Foods, and Lutheran Church of the Cross for donating their space for the AGM.
Please join us in sharing our deep gratitude and a heart-felt goodbye to retiring Board Members, Lisa Richardon, Jason McMillan, and Board Chair, Clarice Dillman. Lisa will remain as Chair of the Grant Writing team. Clarice will remain as Past-Chair, supporting the transition for our new board members and board chair.
Please join us in welcoming Jennefer Byrne, Rae Franklin, and Bruce Winter to the Board of Directors.
View our 2023 Annual Report and Taking Stock to learn more about impact in 2023.
Our AGM Member Dinner Menu! Chicken Adobo, Sopa Aztece, Maryana’s Falafel and Tahini Sauce, served with salad and rice pilaf.
The connection between the members and supporters of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen goes back to the beginning and continues to inspire and guide our work.
In community spirit,
-Clarice Dillman, Past-Chair
-Kim Cummins, Director of Operations