Ottawa Mission food training program welcomes new batch of graduates

CTV’s Peter Szperling speaks with some of the graduates of The Ottawa Mission’s Food Services Training Program.

More than 30 graduates from a training program at The Ottawa Mission have a shot at a new career and a new chapter in their life.

The charity celebrated the graduation of 32 students from its Food Services Training Program on Thursday.

“It’s a big piece of how we do things differently here at the mission,” Ottawa Mission CEO Peter Tilley told CTV News. “When you come in the blue doors for a meal or perhaps for a bed, we hope to put you on a course where you can get help.”

Students are taught the skills required to work in a commercial kitchen.

According to the Mission, since its inception in 2004, approximately 90 per cent of graduates from the program have found employment in the food service industry.

“I think they all surprise me, because when I meet them on the first day, and then up until the last day, the changes they’ve made in their lives, the choices they’ve made, they’ve just done wonderful,” says Chef Ric Allen-Watson, Ottawa Mission Director of Food Services.

“Being able to do something like this, it’s an absolute blessing,” says Ash Perry, Graduate and Valedictorian.

After participating in the program, Perry landed a job at a restaurant in downtown Ottawa.

“All because of this,” Perry says.

Many of the programs at the Ottawa Mission rely on donation. Donations can be made at https://ottawamission.com/.

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