‘Meating’ those in need with a huge salami in Guelph

The Italian Canadian Club of Guelph is paying it forward after receiving a big gift. CTV’s Spencer Turcotte puts it all together.

A big stick of salami is going a long way in Guelph, Ont.

The four-and-a-half foot salami was recently gifted to the Italian Canadian Club of Guelph by Italia Salami Co.

“I was very excited,” said Lou Bertoli, who is part of the executive board with the club.

But the Italian Canadian Club wanted to pay it forward.

“That led us to feeding the shelters and all the people who are slightly underprivileged,” said Bertoli.

So with help from Zehrs Eramosa, who supplied the other goods for the sandwiches, the Italian Canadian Club then contacted Stepping Stone which assists people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity at several shelter locations throughout Wellington County.

“The sandwiches from today will go to all of those sites, which is really amazing,” said Elijah Walker, with Stepping Stone.

With two assembly lines going, all the sandwiches were made in under an hour with a final count of 420 sandwiches.

“From our families with children who need the nourishment, to some of our seniors at our 24/7 programs, it’s going to go a long way for everybody,” said Elijah Walker, who also works at Stepping Stone.

By the end of Tuesday, plenty of bellies will be filled with a traditional salami sandwich.

“The Italians, you certainly won’t find mayonnaise on it or hot mustard. Maybe a little bit of salt and pepper,” said Bertoli. “It’s a really good feeling and maybe they haven’t eaten in a couple of days. So that really makes the Italian Club feel good.”

A good feeling, knowing the big salami will have an even bigger payoff.