Brockville’s Richard’s Coffee House will serve up hundreds of free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need

Photos of deliveries and working with the turkey. – Submitted by Sam Rawas

One of downtown Brockville’s most popular coffee shops is once again helping to ensure that everyone feels loved and valued this Thanksgiving.

Richard’s Coffeehouse is hosting a free dinner for the community on Thanksgiving Monday (Oct. 14) from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will operate on a first come first serve basis, with a limit of one serving per person.

Providing free holiday dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas every year since 2019 has become a beloved tradition for volunteers and Richard’s employees. Sam Rawas from Richard’s Coffeehouse told Brockvilleist that they have gathered 22 turkeys this year, each weighing about 20 pounds. 

Rawas shared that it will take two full days to prepare and cook the 22 turkeys in advance of the dinner. Last year, the hardworking team was able to make over 400 dinners, complete with all the classic Thanksgiving fixings.

“These dinners help a lot of people from the community, especially a lot of homeless people,” Rawas said. “We also donate to the warming centre. They take about 35 to 50 dinners.”

To help the community even further, Richard’s also offers delivery for homebound customers. Deliveries were done by Brockville Transit in previous years, however this year, this service will be made possible thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Leeds Grenville Community Paramedics.

Rawas said these dinners truly wouldn’t be feasible without the help and dedication of his staff and community volunteers. “ We all look forward to the smiles and the people being happy receiving the meal. Every single year at least one customer makes one of my staff cry because they’re so thankful we managed to give them the meal.”

Mayor Matt Wren will also be on-site offering a helping hand this year by handing out meals to customers. 

If you would like to sign up for the home delivery service, contact Dean via text or call at 613- 769-3123 and state your name and full address. 

Please note that this service is only for residents within the city of Brockville.