Dozens of clients at the John Howard Society were treated to a Christmas dinner on Wednesday, thanks to a donation from a local steel manufacturer. Interpro Pipe and Steel provided enough food for about 60 turkey dinners, complete with all the traditional fixings. Staff from the company served the meals at the John Howard Society’s 11th Avenue location. The organization says support from private businesses plays a key role in helping it meet the needs of its clients, improving food security for roughly 40 adult and 80 youth participants who access its services. In addition to the holiday meal, Interpro Pipe and Steel also donated winter clothing and $10,000 in cash to the organization. “They’ve given us quite a bit of money to keep the doors open here for the rest of the year, and even further,” said Kadir Warsame of the John Howard Society. “We asked for winter clothing donations, and they went above and beyond and gave much more than we expected. We’re really grateful.” The John Howard Society operates a year-round drop-in centre for youth and adults, offering access to washrooms, showers and a gym.
