St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn
“NOT FOR PROFIT EXCELLENCE” AWARD
Facing challenges is what they do. The high cost of living has forced many in our community to seek assistance to address their food insecurity issues. In 2023, they provided almost 153,000 meals and lunches, an increase of over 30,000 from 2022. Higher numbers present many issues such as securing more food, financial support, and donations, recruiting more volunteers, and adding more staff. With the escalating numbers being served, they continue to offer 7 hours of food access daily and a hot meal with a 3-hour window to be enjoyed in the dining room or taken home. As strong advocates for seniors and those on a fixed income, they have added more senior bags to meet the demand and hand out “Extras for Seniors” every Monday to those close to or over the age of 60.
Their community partnerships are numerous, appreciated, and strong. At the Dew Drop Inn, they realize they simply cannot serve a good meal daily without the support of the community. Due to larger demands, staffing needs have increased. They are a diversified bunch with hires from Dubai, Syria, the March of Dimes program, and students. That combined with a volunteer roster of over 400, they are a perfect example of teamwork at its finest.
The Dew Drop Inn seizes every opportunity to communicate their message “that everyone deserves a good meal and deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.” It is communicated daily verbally and with social media. At one point, social media reached 1.6 million views in a 28-day period, and typically ranges from 300 to 500 thousand views per 28 days.
In an ideal world, everyone would have access to affordable, healthy food and would have the dignity to make their own choices. Unfortunately, the world is not ideal and that is why we have the Dew Drop Inn. They are committed to serving a good meal daily until their services are no longer available. Congratulations, St. Andrews Dew Drop Inn, on this year’s award for Not for Profit Excellence!
Sponsored by Impala Canada
