Windsor business, first responders deliver hundreds of meals to local charities

A Windsor business teamed up with city police and firefighters to deliver hundreds of meals to local shelters and charities. Chris Campbell reports.

A Windsor business teamed up with city police and firefighters Thursday to deliver hundreds of meals to local shelters and charities.

Macro Foods co-owner Omar Abousaid said the company prepared 750 meals this year, an increase from 500 last year, with the help of emergency personnel escorting deliveries across the city.

“We’re hoping to be able to give a little bit more depending on what the outcome is,” Abousaid said. “Last year we gave 500, but there wasn’t enough space in the facilities. So if there is more space, we’re going to have our drivers go back and hand out some more meals.”

Abousaid said the deliveries included stops at H4 Downtown, the Downtown Mission, the Salvation Army and a women’s shelter.

“We’re trying to kind of give out as much as we can wherever is needed,” Abousaid told CTV News.

He added the effort comes at a time when families are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty.

“People are now starting to come in and also help out, which I think is working in our favour, not in terms of business, but in terms of being able to help the community,” he said. “It’s definitely needed, especially with the tariffs and everything that’s been going on lately. A lot of people are losing their jobs. So I’m glad that we’re fortunate enough to be able to give back and I hope we continue to be able to do so.”

Abousaid said giving back is part of the company’s commitment to the city that supports them.

“Without the community, we wouldn’t be anywhere,” he said. “We want to make sure that we’re able to give back as much as the community gives to us.”

Windsor police deputy chief Karel DeGraaf called the initiative a meaningful way for emergency services to connect with residents.

“It’s a pleasure to join our members from Windsor Fire and Rescue Services and Macro Foods with this tremendous initiative,” DeGraaf said. “There’s always going to be an identified need to assist people that are going through some significant hardships. Macro Foods has been incredibly supportive of our initiatives and our mission.”

DeGraaf said the involvement of officers in meal delivery helps strengthen community trust.

“It’s really about helping us increase our profile within the community and really focus on gaining trust and support from all the other agencies,” he said. “We’re incredibly thankful of their continued support and their impact in the community.”